The Ebola Emergency in Sierra Leone

In 2014-2015 the largest Ebola epidemic in history ravaged West Africa. Official estimates from the World Health Organization show that over 14,000 people in Sierra Leone were infected with Ebola, and 4,000 people died. These numbers are very likely to be under-estimates due to the many deaths that went unreported. 

 

The founder of Welbodi Sierra Leone was an emergency Ebola responder in Kambia District, Sierra Leone (the star on the map) with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

 

 

The "I Am CDC" video series is designed to highlight the work of staff across CDC, informing potential job applicants of the scope of the agency's work. There are both administrative and scientific jobs included in the series. Stories also feature the satisfaction staff derive from their work, their connection to public health, and their path to the field.

Hannah met Abass through their work on the ambulance project. Together they travelled with a team throughout Kambia District helping communities to overcome their fear of ambulances.

 

After seeing so many loved ones leave in ambulances and not return, many communities believed ambulances and the medical teams were responsible for their loved ones dying. In the height of the epidemic, it was not uncommon for families to hear nothing about what happened to loved ones after they left in ambulances.

Myths and fears about the ambulances kept those with symptoms from calling for help.

 

Welbodi Sierra Leone strives to build long-lasting impact through helping girls finish their education.

According to UNICEF, only 52% of girls 18-24 years old in Sierra Leone are literate compared to 71% of boys. 

 

With education to help strengthen girls, families, and communities, Sierra Leone can work to rebuild after the devastating Ebola epidemic.