This is Anthropology: Ebola Emergency Response
Working for the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, anthropologists were the first to discover why Ebola was spreading so quickly during its initial outbreak in West Africa – as a cultural practice, communities in the affected areas delayed burying their dead for days at a time, often bringing the bodies into their homes for mourning and funeral preparation. Anthropologists provided technical support to the national governments and lead agencies across the three most affected countries, particularly regarding community engagement and social mobilization. Working with a global network of anthropologists, the UN team delivered briefings and targeted reports, and produced evidence that helped guide policy and shape interventions and strategy.
Anthropologists from around the world continue to provide advice on how to engage with crucial cultural and political dimensions of the Ebola outbreak and build locally-appropriate interventions.
Additional Information on Anthropologists and Ebola
Emergency Initiative on the Ebola Outbreaks - Panel 1
Emergency Initiative on the Ebola Outbreaks - Panel 2
