What is Ebola and Why is it So Dangerous?

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but severe illness caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, including blood, vomit, or sweat, or through contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in many cases, internal and external bleeding.

What makes Ebola especially dangerous is its high fatality rate—often between 25% and 90%, depending on the outbreak and the quality of care. It progresses rapidly, is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, and can spread quickly in communities without adequate health infrastructure. During the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, the virus overwhelmed healthcare systems and caused widespread fear and disruption.

The Crisis in Sierra Leone

Between 2014 and 2016, Sierra Leone experienced one of the most severe Ebola outbreaks in recorded history. Over 14,000 people were infected, and nearly 4,000 lost their lives (AP News).

Hospitals were under-equipped and understaffed. Quarantine zones were established across entire villages, disrupting social life and livelihoods. Traditional practices—especially burial rituals—had to be abandoned or transformed, creating additional distress in communities already suffering.

Stigma and the Struggles of Survivors

Surviving Ebola came with more than just physical recovery. Many survivors were ostracized by their communities due to fear, misinformation, and trauma. Some lost their homes, jobs, or families. Others continued to suffer from long-term health issues, including joint pain, vision problems, and mental health challenges.

To address these issues, the Sierra Leone Association of Ebola Survivors (SLAES) was founded in 2015. SLAES is a survivor-led, nationwide organization that provides peer support, advocates for survivor rights, and works to reduce stigma. It helps survivors access medical care, mental health services, and livelihood programs.

A Legacy of Strength and Change

Despite the immense hardship, the Ebola crisis brought about lasting change. It accelerated reforms in public health infrastructure, improved disease surveillance, and emphasized the importance of community engagement in responding to health emergencies.

Today, Sierra Leone continues to rebuild—guided by the memory of those who were lost and the resilience of those who survived. The country’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that effective healthcare is not just about medicine, but about equity, dignity, and solidarity.

Rebuilding Lives: A Campaign for Long-Term Support

In April 2024, we launched the Rebuilding Lives campaign in partnership with influencer ismatu Gwendolyn with one clear goal: to provide a three-year Social Income to every Ebola survivor registered with SLAES.

The campaign aims to provide stability and ownership to Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone. If we reach our fundraising goal, we will be able to guarantee a three-year basic income to over 150 Ebola survivors across the country.

The monthly Social Income fosters financial stability and overall well-being.

A few months after the campaign launched, we began onboarding the first recipients, and we are progressively adding new ones. 

Over 1,500 people have contributed. Join them to guarantee a Social Income for every survivor: socialincome.org/ismatu