Sooner or later, a pair is at dwelling discussing dinner plans, sharing tales about work, and dreaming in regards to the future. Instantly, every little thing modifications. One companion is gone, taken by a dreaded illness that sends everybody right into a panic: Ebola.
When it was revealed that Ebola had claimed Aisha Nangobi’s husband, the index case on this outbreak, the spouse could not totally come to phrases with the fact. She was nonetheless grappling with the loss, however there was no time to dwell. She was sick too, and when her take a look at got here again constructive, actuality hit her: She wasn’t simply grieving; She was contaminated.
Every thing moved rapidly after that, aside from the individuals round her. Household and pals vanished, leaving her alone along with her ache, concern, and the noise in her head. Their concern was comprehensible; with restricted info, persons are petrified of what they do not perceive.
Ebola impacts an individual in lots of basic methods. Even earlier than it ravages the physique, it assaults the thoughts. The phrase ‘Ebola’ appears like a loss of life sentence. It strips an individual of their id, dignity, and hope.
However then, one thing sudden occurred to Aisha. Assist got here from strangers, well being staff from the Ministry of Well being, WHO, Baylor Uganda, and different companions. They walked into Aisha’s isolation room and took nice care of her. They handled her like she mattered; by some means, that is how she made it by way of.
Surviving is victory, however nobody prepares an individual for what follows. How does one return to a world that is aware of them by the virus they survived? How does one mourn their companion when individuals have a look at them like they’re nonetheless contagious? How does one rebuild when every little thing they thought was steady has shifted beneath their toes?
That is the half Aisha continues to be grappling with and making an attempt to determine. Thankfully, she shouldn’t be doing it alone. Organizations together with WHO are nonetheless on floor, counselling, checking in, and reminding survivors that life after Ebola is feasible. This has enabled Aisha and others in the identical state of affairs to smile, plan, and stay regular lives once more.
Surviving Ebola can also be a chance to assist others to not undergo the identical expertise. Now, Aisha is utilizing her voice to assist her neighborhood perceive the risks of ailments like Ebola, the best way to forestall them, search early remedy, and maintain themselves.