************The EBOLA Dilemma and its Viscous Cycle********** EBOLA has struck the heart of Liberia. It is in Monrovia, the most populated city. Health care workers are among the hardest hit by this virus. Like Soldiers in combat, they stand on the front lines treating all that ails our people. Unlike Soldier in combat, they are not given the necessary personal protective gears and sanitation items to protect against the highly contagious EBOLA. Because the symptoms of EBOLA are similar to malaria or flu, these health care workers are are being infected with EBOLA at a rapid rate while treating seemingly ordinary patients. In order to protect themselves, some health care workers are taking drastic precautionary measures. The ramifications of some of these measures will lead to more deaths in Liberia from simple illness. Some of the precautionary measures are: 1. Staying at home: This is a smart option for the health care workers but not for the sick people. If you remain at home and take care of your own family, you may not come in contact with anyone who has been infected with EBOLA. 2. Turning patients away who symptoms are similar to EBOLA: In this option, people who have simple curable illness as flu, cold, malaria etc may not be treated and the illness may intensify and/or lead to fatality. 3. Sending anyone with similar symptoms as EBOLA to the EBOLA containment area: This option is the worst because a patient with malaria (which has similar symptom as EBOLA) could be misdiagnosed and sent to his/her death in the EBOLA containment area where they may get infected and/or die. To rectify all of these problems, the Government of Liberia should immediately provide protective equipment for all health care workers regardless if they work in a public health facility or private. By building confidence in these workers ability to perform their jobs without fear of contracting EBOLA, more Liberian lives will be saved. All efforts should be made by the GOL to fight this deadly virus that is trying to send Liberia back into another tailspin of anarchy. It has already started with one individual attempting to burn down the new Health Ministry. Political and religious leaders MUST join this fight and commit all resources in communicating directly with the Liberian people. We should be educating our people on proper sanitation methods to avoid contact with EBOLA and how to identify and report suspected cases of the illness. Lastly, as Liberians in the Diaspora, we can help by donating money to institution that are already on the ground assisting in the fight against EBOLA. There are also Liberian groups within the USA raising funds to send sanitizing equipment and brochures to Liberia. Please do not sit on the sidelines, help us save our Mama Liberia. One Love!!!! Avery
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 17:04:39 +0000
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