Communicating the Ebola Crisis in West Africa

Abstract

A comprehensive, reliable public communication before, during, and after a health crisis can save lives, yet critics say the ways that crisis containment policies relating to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak were communicated in West Africa raised anxiety and, in some places, fueled rumors that led to counter-productive behaviors (Ansumana, Bonwitt, Stenger &Jacobsen, 2014). Improved communication by health officials with the media, community leaders, health professionals, and the general public is therefore necessary to reduce misinformation and improve compliance with prevention and control measures. Planning is required to develop and execute communications effectively. This paper tackles in context of Guinea the communication factors and that must be addressed to improve the chances of success in the fight against the EVD.  A desk study from both development communication scholarship and medical practice was conducted to assess the current EVD situation in Guinea.

Keywords: Crisis communication, Ebola Virus Disease, communication planning.