Burkina Faso
Third Main Committee
Ashley Miller
Divine Savior Holy Angels
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Reintegration of Ebola Survivors into Society
Ebola is a virus that is thought to be acquired upon contact with bodily fluids or blood of
an infected animal or other human. It has not been known to spread through the air. There have
been 10,409 documented cases and 5,266 deaths. The epidemic was prominent throughout West
Africa, beginning in Guinea in 2014 but has since settled down. Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria,
Mali and Senegal also were affected by the virus. Fortunately, Burkina Faso never experienced
an Ebola outbreak, but along with Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’lvoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and
Senegal share land borders or major transportation connections with some of the affected
countries and were at risk for the spread of the ebola outbreak. When victims of the virus survive
and are ready to return home, they are not typically welcomed with open arms. People fear
catching the virus and do not want to associate with the survivors. The reintegration process is
difficult because while recovering, they need support of friends and family and many do not
experience a joyful homecoming. Ebola has been detrimental to many African’s health and when
survivors are able to return home they should feel overjoyed, but instead feel unwanted and
disappointed.
Western Africa is an impoverished area and many who get sick with a simple cold do not
have a good enough immune system to fight it off. The survival rate of the Ebola virus is not
very high, it is not horribly low but defiantly is a 50/50 chance of survival. Many of the people
who contract it probably are not used to sterile medical supplies but while being treated were
given correct methods of treatment. The virus needed to be contained and first world countries
made sure to send supplies and help wherever needed. When those infected survive, they should
be excitedly welcomed home, but instead have trouble being allowed back into their town
because of the fear their community has of contracting the disease. The reintegration seems very
hard but because of the rapid spread of the virus there was no plans put into place about how
survivors would be reintegrated. Some have trouble finding a job again or making friends after
their friends do not associate with them anymore. The problem is serious and concerning but
with correct measures, can be changed.
The reintegration process of Ebola survivors into society can be successful if planned
carefully and taking into account the sensitivities of both the victims and uninfected community.
The community worries of contracting the disease but with proper education could know how it
is contracted and also personal hygiene, just taking care of themselves and staying healthy. After
they understand the basic process of the virus they can understand how to care for their friends
and family whom are survivors upon their arrival home. In some towns, the elders or known
“wise” men are asked to welcome the survivors home with open arms in order to set a good
example for the rest of the town. If the people are well-educated on Ebola, their risks of
contracting the virus are lower because they know how to prevent themselves from getting the
virus and can understand how to help the survivors in their fragile states to remain healthy and
relaxed.