Recently there has been a lot of propaganda and reports about the Ebola Pandemic in Africa. Today I had the honour of talking to *Akua, a very intelligent and articulate young man from Kenya, who was prepared to spare some time to talk to me, and share his thoughts on life in Kenya, and the truth on Ebola.
It was fantastic to gain insight from someone living in Africa. I think sometimes the internet can be an amazing thing as it allows us to reach out and seek the truth, so a big thank you to Akua for doing this interview!
Akua, What is life like in Kenya? I have heard it is very beautiful. It must be a far cry from Sierra Leone..?
Life in Kenya is good? What you have heard is the correct thing but in Kenya not everything is that rosy. But all in all Kenya is beautiful with plenty of sunshine, wildlife, natural features and landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast and other inland God given scenic beauties. As for our brothers in Sierra Leone I cant say much because that country has been rocked by many misfortunes, especially wars, diseases etc which has affected that country adversely. But even in Sierra Leone there are very beautiful features which exist. All in all Africa as a whole has so many eye catching beautiful things and features that are a spectacle to behold
Akua, it is very hard for Westerner’s to build up a true picture of what is happening in Africa at the minute. How do you feel? Do you feel afraid with regards to the Ebola pandemic? Or do you feel it has all been blown out of proportion by the press?
About building a true picture of africa
That question is a bit tricky because it has both a no and a yes answer.
From the NO point of view is when the western world seek to get information from sources that decide to feed them what they want to hear. In most cast cases, it is especially with NGOs and Freelance journalists & bloggers. This lot most of the time driven by greed for money and awards. Most of NGOs in Africa are heavily funded by the western world money and they may not want to lose it.
On the yes side it is with the western world media which in most cases are very efficient go getters. They seek out something they show it as it is.
Also the government of some countries may not have the resources to fight Ebola so they will seek out any help whichever way they think is the best.
How do I feel about Ebola.
As for me here in Kenya I have nothing to be afraid of because the government and medics have taken a very great caution when it comes to Ebola. Here there are various steps and strategies which have been undertaken to prevent it from getting its way into Kenya. For example Kenya airports and border entry points nowadays people especially form central and western Africa are being screen for Ebola.
Ebola has not been blown out of proportion because it is a high risk epidemic which can cause great harm to many when in contact although it is only several countries in west Africa and central Africa where it has been reported. The epidemic is real and very contagious, so it deserves the attention it has received. For me the press is doing a very good job to keep people informed, but for those scary images that’s wrong because things are not that bad and also is against media ethics. But here, know that the media like to hype things which in one way or the other is either good or bad.
Do you feel there are enough medical supplies and enough finance to deal with the Ebola outbreaks in Africa or do you feel more funding would mean better hospitals and more staff?
For medical supplies and finances from Africa there is a big NO. as you may have heard. Most African countries are poor and may not have the capabilities to deal with the scourge of a full blown Ebola epidemic especially in highly populated areas like urban centres. There it will kill many as local people first do not know how to distinguish Ebola from other illnesses in its earlier stages, but once it has manifested itself and you start coughing, suffering from diarrhoea, and exhaling blood that’s when you actually know its Ebola
More funding to governments and NGOs is not the solution as the money will just go to the pockets of a few individuals, because here corruption in many African countries is rampant. The solution lies with training the local communities how to deal with the scourge when it occurs and giving them the necessary resources that they may require to help themselves.
Where do you personally think Ebola came from originally?
There I plainly do not know…all I can say as we Africans do say is that it is a way of God to manifest himself through various disasters when he feels we have wronged him.
What do you think is the key to minimising and containing the outbreak?
Quarantine and isolation of patients is the best possible thing that can help minimize the scourge. It has worked before and it will always work. Here those to work because medics are able to offer medication and do their research of the epidemics in the best possible way without exposing others whom are unaffected.
Do you think the West are often fed lies by the press about what is really going on?
Like I answered you in question 2. Its often a NO or YES answer. It always depends on who is giving the details and what his motives are.
It is most often lies, as most of the African government will hide what they do not want the west to know, but as for epidemics especially diseases which they do not have the capacities to fight, often give a true image so as to seek help for the people.
Yes occurs when people want money or recognition that only feed their egos. Govts, NGOs and media will hype anything they think will help them get more money from the western countries.
NB// if it is in the movies they show afterwards, know that the real thing was even more bizarre than you could guess.
Anything else you would like to comment on?
Ebola is highly contagious and risky as you may have heard. Once you get it and you do not get medical attention earlier it is highly likely you will die. In the western world you guys do not have a lot to fear as it is highly possible medics will deal with it once it is noticed. For us Africans that cannot be said because health wise thing are to a big extent very sub standard. The rich people may afford it as they have resources to cater for their medical attention bt the majority of African are poor and may not have that luxury. Seeking medical attention for Ebola or any other disease earlier is key to its containment.
NB// Ebola is not airborne its only spread through contact with body fluids of an affected person.
