The Ebola epidemic that erupted in West Africa in 2014 was one of the deadliest outbreaks in history, claiming over 11,000 lives. The outbreak highlighted the vulnerability of the global health system and the importance of early detection and response.

However, while many factors contributed to the spread of the disease, some of them were hidden and often overlooked. In this article, we discuss the hidden factors that contributed to the Ebola epidemic.

Lack of Healthcare Infrastructure

The healthcare infrastructure in West Africa was inadequate, with limited healthcare facilities and a shortage of trained medical personnel. The lack of healthcare infrastructure made it difficult to provide adequate care to those infected with Ebola.

As the virus spread, healthcare facilities became overwhelmed, and many were forced to turn away patients. This led to a significant increase in the number of cases and deaths.

Poor Public Health System

In addition to the lack of healthcare infrastructure, there was also a poor public health system in many of the affected countries.

There was a lack of surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early, and there was also a shortage of public health workers to respond to outbreaks. The poor public health system contributed to the delay in the response to the outbreak, allowing the virus to spread rapidly.

Cultural Practices

The culture in West Africa also played a significant role in the spread of the disease. Traditional burial practices in the region involve close contact with the deceased, which increases the risk of infection.

Additionally, there is a tradition of caring for sick family members in the home, which also increases the risk of infection. The reluctance to change these cultural practices made it difficult to control the spread of the disease.

Population Density and Mobility

The high population density in West Africa and the region’s mobility also played a role in the spread of Ebola. The movement of people between rural and urban areas made it difficult to contain the outbreak.

The high population density also made it challenging to isolate infected individuals.

Lack of Trust in Government

Lack of trust in the government was another hidden factor that contributed to the Ebola epidemic. In many West African countries, there is a history of corruption and a lack of transparency.

This led to a lack of trust in public health messages and response efforts. People were reluctant to seek care or report cases due to a lack of trust in the government and health officials.

Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma and discrimination against those infected with Ebola also contributed to the spread of the disease. People who were infected or suspected of being infected were often shunned or ostracized by their communities.

This led to people hiding their illness, which made it difficult to contain the outbreak.

Globalization

Globalization also played a role in the spread of the Ebola epidemic. The ease and speed of international travel allowed the virus to spread quickly across borders.

The global response to the outbreak was also affected by globalization, with countries hesitant to restrict travel and trade, even when it was necessary to contain the outbreak.

Insufficient Funding for Research and Development

The lack of funding for research and the development of drugs and vaccines for Ebola was also a contributing factor. While the virus was known for decades, little was done to develop drugs or vaccines until the 2014 outbreak.

The lack of funding and attention paid to Ebola resulted in a slow response to the outbreak.

Climate Change

Climate change may also have contributed to the Ebola epidemic. The destruction of forests for land use and logging has disrupted ecosystems and forced animals out of their natural habitats.

This has brought humans into closer contact with wildlife and increased the risk of zoonotic diseases, like Ebola.

Poverty and Inequality

Poverty and inequality also contributed to the outbreak of Ebola. Poor living conditions and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities made it difficult to prevent the spread of the disease.

Furthermore, the lack of healthcare infrastructure and resources in poor communities put them at greater risk of infection and death.