Dr Paul Framer The Ebola Summary

In the following diary, Dr. Paul Framer reflected on his trip to Liberia and documented his experience and opinions of the tragic impact of the Ebola outbreak. Challenging the perceived notions of Ebola epidemiology, he analyzed possible causes of the viral transmission within West Africa. Despite its high fatality rates, Dr. Framer characterized the Ebola virus not as a death sentence, but a health crisis that simply requires a strong and efficient health care system. He examined the virus to be fueled by social and economic challenges. cultural practices, inadequate medical staff, lack of resources and health equipment(s).

Primarily, he detailed the agonizing severity of the disease as an “acute and brutal affliction.” The drastic features of the illness characterized by body weakness, fever, abdominal pain and hemorrhaging of various bodily parts further deepened the disarray within the country and led many to react with fear and stigma. Specifically, Dr. Farmer referred to incidents of violence and murders of local public health officials as well as Congolese schoolteachers. Regarded as a terrifying disease, Dr. Farmer challenged this viewpoint explaining that the Ebola remains petrifying to the nation because it is not being

Prior to the Ebola pandemic, Liberia, a country of more than four million people was reported to have fewer than fifty doctors. Without adequate medical assistance or health education on how to curtail the transmission, many undoubtedly would remain unaware and uninformed of severity of the disease. Many would continue with their daily activities and may unknowingly continue to fuel the virus transmission. At the peak of the disease crisis, the infected would be left helpless and place the population at risk. In such state and as often observed in Africa, many in desperation may participate in unclean or dangerous cultural rituals to alleviate and/or cure the disease