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Winning the hearts of communities fearful of Ebola

Health

Winning the hearts of communities fearful of Ebola

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 June 2019 – “You cant take my son away because I know you..

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 June 2019 – “You cant take my son away because I know you will go kill him. You will inject him with Ebola. Thats what everybody here knows.”

This response from an angry father, faced with the possibility that his son would be moved from a local hospital to an Ebola Treatment Centre, reflects the reality of containing an epidemic in an area where folklore, rumour and suspicion of outsiders abound.

For Dr. Ramses Kalumbi, Surveillance Team Leader for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Goma, reassuring his patients and their families is all in a days work. Empathy, patience and compassion are a vital part of the treatment offered by his team of doctors, psychologists and health workers.

The Ebola-affected city of Butembo, where the 27-year-old man has been working as a driver, is 350km away – an eight-hour journey by road. He had returned home to visit his family when he started to feel unwell.

Initial symptoms indicated malaria but his high fever and diarrhoea have rung alarm bells, and now he is terrified. So far, the tiered system of surveillance set up by the government and WHO have kept the disease out of Goma, but nobody can afford to take any chances.

His case came to the attention of a surveillance team combing health facilities and neighbourhoods to identify patients with symptoms that might indicate Ebola infection.

Such cases are quickly sent to the alert centre which deploys investigators to assess the patient and decide whether to authorise a transfer to the nearest Ebola Treatment Centre for blood tests. If the test returns positive, the patient is isolated for treatment and if negative the patient is returned to the initial health facility or to their family to continue previous treatment.

Coupled with distrust of health workers is a belief among many people in Goma that Ebola does not exist.

“They do not have family members in the regions affected by the disease. They are people who have not travelled to see the devastation,” says Bahati Sabimana Faustin, a traditional healer who works in the Bujavu area of Goma.

Support from traditional healers like Faustin who have had training in how to recognise Ebola symptoms play an important role in containing the disease and in encouraging the community to take precautions.

“If a patient comes to me with high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, I receive them, put them in a separate room and contact the alert centre for further investigation,” Faustin explains. So far he has referred two patients but both were found not to be suffering from Ebola.

“There are many people who do not believe Ebola is real but after getting the right information, they often change their minds. I tell them that Ebola exists. I am certain it is there. Ebola is real,” he says.

Back in the primary health facility, Dr Kalumbi and a psychologist from the ministry are engaging with the family in an attempt to reassure them that their son will be safe.

“Look at me baba. Look at me. I am one of you,” Dr Kalumbi says, looking in the eyes of the angry father. “I will take care of your son. My promise to you is that no one will hurt him.”

“Look at my son, he is healthy except that he has malaria,” the father replied. “I hear all the time that you take healthy people like him and inject them with Ebola. My son will not leave this hospital. You can take his blood and do the test but you will not take him away.”

The conversation between the father and Dr. Kalumbi went back and forth, with each fear and rumour being met with calm responses from the medical team. Gradually the tension subsided.

“We care about your son and that is why we will take him to the treatment centre,” Dr Kalumbi says. “It will be a protection for him and all of you, if he truly has Ebola.”

Moments later the father agreed, on condition that he could accompany his son as the Ebola tests were administered.

As they arrived at the centre, Dr. Kalumbi received a phone call. It was from the young mans mother who pleaded with him: “Please do not inject my son with Ebola. His life is in your hands.”

She was met with the same calm, reassuring response that no one injects patients with Ebola, it is just a disease that needs to be attended to immediately.

In this case the results were good. The young man was Ebola free and was returned to his family.

As importantly, the trust that was built up between Dr. Kalumbi and the family chips away at the fears and the disinformation that he and hundreds of his colleagues face as they hit the streets again tomorrow and the following days – scouting, screening patients, tracking and engaging communities in order to stop the spread of the Ebola Virus inside the rest of the country and beyond.

“Nothing terrifies families like the isolation of one of their own for Ebola treatment,” Dr. Kalumbi says. “They fear that they will never return. There is only one way to win their trust and that is through an honest discussion and empathy.”

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How does the media shape our view of health?

The media plays a significant role in shaping our views on health. It is through the media that we receive information about health issues, and the manner in which this information is presented has a profound impact on our perceptions and beliefs about health. The media’s power to influence public opinion on health matters cannot be understated, as it has the ability to inform, educate, and influence the decisions we make about our health.

One way in which the media shapes our view of health is through the information it chooses to highlight. The media tends to focus on health topics that are perceived as sensational, such as outbreaks of infectious diseases or dramatic weight loss stories. By emphasizing these topics, the media creates a skewed perception of health issues and can lead to a disproportionate fear of certain health risks.

Another way the media shapes our view of health is through the way in which it frames health issues. The way in which a story is presented can influence the way in which we interpret the information. For example, a story about a new drug may be presented in a positive light, emphasizing its potential benefits, while downplaying its potential side effects. Alternatively, the same story could be presented in a negative light, emphasizing the potential risks of the drug. Depending on how the story is framed, individuals may form different opinions on the same health issue.

The media also shapes our view of health through the way in which it portrays individuals who have certain health conditions. Individuals with health conditions such as obesity, mental illness, or addiction are often portrayed in a negative light. This negative portrayal can lead to stigmatization of individuals with these conditions, which can prevent them from seeking the help they need. Additionally, individuals who are portrayed as healthy and fit are often held up as role models, which can create unrealistic expectations and lead to body image issues.

One of the biggest ways in which the media shapes our view of health is through the advertisements it displays. Advertisements for products such as diet pills or miracle cures can create unrealistic expectations about the effectiveness of these products. Additionally, advertisements for unhealthy foods can contribute to the obesity epidemic by promoting unhealthy eating habits. These advertisements can have a profound impact on our behaviors and beliefs about health.

The media also plays a significant role in shaping our views on healthcare policy. The way in which the media reports on healthcare policy can influence public opinion and shape policy decisions. For example, if the media portrays a particular healthcare policy as being beneficial, it is more likely to be supported by the public and implemented by policymakers. Conversely, if the media portrays a policy as being harmful, it may not receive the necessary support to be implemented.

In conclusion, the media plays a significant role in shaping our views on health. Through the information it chooses to highlight, the way in which it frames health issues, the portrayal of individuals with health conditions, advertisements, and healthcare policy reporting, the media has the power to influence public opinion on health matters. It is important for individuals to be critical consumers of health information and to seek out multiple sources of information in order to form their own opinions about health issues. Additionally, media outlets should strive to provide accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive health information in order to promote the health and wellbeing of their audiences.

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How does diet influence our health?

Our diet is a key factor that influences our health. The food we eat provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients to function properly, but the type and amount of food we consume can have positive or negative effects on our health.

A healthy diet should include a variety of foods that provide us with the nutrients we need, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. A diet that is high in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats can increase our risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

One of the most significant ways diet influences our health is through its impact on our weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Consuming a diet that is high in calories and low in nutrients can lead to weight gain, while a diet that is low in calories but high in nutrients can help maintain a healthy weight.

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The types of fats we consume in our diet can also impact our health. Saturated and trans fats, found in many processed foods and fast foods, can increase our risk of heart disease by raising our cholesterol levels. Consuming healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation and lower our risk of heart disease.

Our diet can also impact our gut health, which is increasingly recognized as an essential factor in overall health. A diet that is high in fiber and fermented foods can help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and boost our immune system.

Additionally, our diet can influence our mental health. Research has shown that consuming a diet that is high in processed foods and added sugars can increase the risk of depression, while a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.

Overall, our diet plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. By consuming a diet that is high in nutrient-dense foods, we can reduce our risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and improve our gut and mental health. To achieve a healthy diet, it is essential to focus on consuming a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, while limiting our intake of processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.

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What are the adverse effects of X-rays on the human body

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be used to produce images of internal structures of the body, which is essential in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. While X-rays are generally safe, prolonged exposure to them can have adverse effects on the human body.

One of the most significant risks associated with X-ray exposure is the development of cancer. X-rays have enough energy to ionize atoms and damage DNA, which can lead to mutations and the formation of cancer cells. The risk of developing cancer from X-ray exposure is low, but it increases with the amount of radiation exposure and the number of X-ray procedures a person undergoes.

Another adverse effect of X-ray exposure is radiation sickness. Radiation sickness occurs when a person is exposed to high levels of radiation, typically in a short amount of time. Symptoms of radiation sickness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and skin damage. Severe cases of radiation sickness can lead to death.

X-ray exposure can also cause damage to the eyes. The lens of the eye is particularly susceptible to radiation damage, which can lead to the development of cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. The risk of developing cataracts from X-ray exposure is higher in people who undergo frequent X-ray procedures, such as radiology technicians.

Pregnant women are also at risk of adverse effects from X-ray exposure. X-rays can harm the developing fetus, leading to birth defects or an increased risk of childhood cancer. Pregnant women should avoid X-ray procedures whenever possible or use lead shielding to protect the fetus.

In rare cases, X-ray exposure can lead to acute radiation syndrome. Acute radiation syndrome occurs when a person is exposed to a high dose of radiation in a short amount of time. Symptoms of acute radiation syndrome can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns, and damage to internal organs. Acute radiation syndrome is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Children are also at risk of adverse effects from X-ray exposure. Children are more susceptible to radiation damage than adults because their bodies are still developing. Children who undergo frequent X-ray procedures may be at a higher risk of developing cancer or other adverse effects.

To minimize the adverse effects of X-ray exposure, it is essential to limit the amount of radiation exposure and the number of X-ray procedures a person undergoes. Radiology technicians should also take precautions to minimize their exposure to radiation, such as wearing protective gear and using radiation shields.

In conclusion, while X-rays are a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, they do carry risks. Prolonged exposure to X-rays can lead to the development of cancer, radiation sickness, damage to the eyes, and other adverse effects. Pregnant women and children are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of X-ray exposure. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is essential to limit exposure to radiation and the number of X-ray procedures a person undergoes. Radiology technicians should also take precautions to minimize their exposure to radiation. By taking these steps, the benefits of X-ray procedures can be realized while minimizing the risks.