City Arts & Lectures presented a conversation about the challenges of battling the Ebola pandemic. Host Roy Eisenhardt led four panelists, Drs. Paul Farmer, Dan Kelly, Raj Panjabi, and Ambassador Eric P. Goosby, in discussing the causes of the largest ever Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the challenges in fighting the disease in the affected countries.
All panelists pointed out that urgent action from governments and NGOs alike is required to fight the spread of the disease, which is hampered by lack of funding and especially personnel in Africa. They also called for better coordination between aide organizations and national governments.
Dr. Panjabi also highlighted how long-term investments into medical infrastructure to reduce the spread of polio in Nigeria is now contributing to manage Ebola. Dr. Farmer also stressed the importance of long-term partnerships with developing nations: together with UCSF and the Partners in Health NGO Haiti’s Hinche Hospital has been transformed into a training site for doctors and nurses, some of whom are now answering the call for help in Sierra Leone.
A response to the Ebola pandemic requires the establishment of effective treatment centers, which provide hope to patients and affected communities. Much of the discussion focused on the structural problems and organizational challenges today and in the future. In the end, a member of the audience reminded both panelists and listeners that there is also an immediate need for action, as aid agency like Doctors Without Borders have reached the limits of their capabilities.
Proceeds of the event supported Partners In Health’s Ebola relief efforts.
A recording of the discussion will be broadcast on the KQED radio on 10/19/2014.
References:
- Ebola pandemic information at the CDC
- City arts and lectures
- Partners In Health’s Ebola relief
- Doctors Without Borders
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