Saving Lives Now from Ebola in Africa
Hodge JG, Fleming H. Saving lives now from Ebola in Africa. Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2019, Forthcoming
6 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2019
Date Written: November 5, 2019
Abstract
In his published letter, Peace is a better focus than Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), David M. Brett-Major provides a vital reminder of the tragic undercurrent of violence and political instability dominating African regions currently impacted by the second worst Ebola outbreak in modern history. He characterizes health-centric activities as a “common mistake” to remedy the “vicious cycle” of endemic violence and disease outbreaks in DRC and surrounding areas. What is truly needed is a “concerted peace and development process, with health as a voice in a chorus – not alone.” His message is salient, but also disconnected from the reality that persons impacted by Ebola presently in DRC (and surrounding areas soon) cannot wait for lasting peace to be established. Ebola mortality rates in DRC approach 65% of known cases.
Keywords: Ebola, emergency, preparedness, declaration, response, EVD, Congo, epidemic, violence
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