Reflections On Ebola

Client: NAMUH for UNICEF | Photography: Sarah Grile

Fanny Mae Koroma| Sierra Leone

“The rules of Ebola, like not touching, went against our traditions. We had to tell people that running away or
keeping secrets in the house was not going to help end Ebola. What helped was having a local person talk to the communities.
They trusted me, and they knewI wouldn’t hurt them. There was no trust in the health system before, but now people
understand about hygiene practices like washing hands. I hope that stays with people.”

Elhadj Cheikhouna Sylla, Imam | Guinea

“I was taken to a treatment centre to see people who were sick and that strengthened my belief in Ebola’s existence. I knew I had an important role to play in the community and I gave more 20 speeches in the mosque to convince people about Ebola. When there was a case in the community, I’d talk to the family about taking the person to the treatment center or having a safe burial if the person had died. Ebola has affected the way we live together, and my hope is that there is more peace in the country.”

Isata Mansaray, Ebola Survivor

Sierra Leone

“When I was released from the (Ebola) treatment center, I was told that my parents had gone to America, but later my uncle admitted to me that they had died.

When they were alive, they were able to give me everything I needed — I was able to get my hair done.

But I don’t feel too sad now because my grandmother is looking after me. A social worker comes and plays with me and asks how I’m doing.

I want to be a bank manager so I can take care of my family, especially my grandma.”

“We were trained on Ebola prevention, and we got a lot of information about Ebola that was different from what people here were saying. After the training, we went door to door to tell people how to protect themselves. It was challenging. A lot of people never accepted our message and it used to make me feel bad. Our supervisor used to encourage us and that motivation kept me moving, to talk to more people so more lives could be saved.” Jessica Meufville, 17, Liberia

“When I began to feel sick, I was afraid to go to a hospital so I went to my mother’s house, but she wouldn’t let me in. She called the emergency hotline and an ambulance arrived with people dressed in those protective suits who sprayed me before taking me to a treatment centre. At the time, I thought my mother didn’t love me and wanted me to die, but she did the right thing. Now I volunteer as a social worker helping orphans, widows and survivors – anyone who’s been hit by Ebola.” -Emma Bangura, Ebola survivor, Sierra Leone

“We started doing cinema screenings in communities about Ebola, but I thought there was more we could do. We had 72 students involved and with support from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF we began going door-to-door in communities. I would always inform the leaders first and then just talk to those who were willing to listen. We reached more than 400 communities. If Liberians start to put Liberia forward first, all the wishes that we have will come true. Development doesn’t come from a country, it comes from the people within the country.” - Pandora Hodge, Monrovia, Liberia