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Journal Article > Research

'Atomic bombs' in Monrovia, Liberia: the identity and stigmatisation of Ebola survivors

Venables E
Abstract
Survivors of the Ebola virus have been widely profiled as the success stories of the outbreak, yet they still face challenges relating to their identity and reintegration. A survivor’s body takes on new meanings after experiencing Ebola, and the label ‘survivor’ is as problematic as it is celebratory. Using data conducted during fieldwork in Monrovia, Liberia, this article discusses the complex identities of Ebola survivors. In Monrovia, most of the stigma and discrimination relating to survivors was directed towards men, who were considered ‘atomic bombs’ because of concerns that they could transmit Ebola through sexual intercourse. Health promotion messages around sexual transmission were often misunderstood, and communities requested the quarantine of men to reduce what they felt was a threat to the wider community. Understanding the meanings and sources of such stigmatisation is necessary to be able to work with and support survivors through psychosocial care and health promotion activities.
Countries
Liberia
Subject Area
Ebolasocial violence & exclusion
DOI
10.3167/aia.2017.240205
Published Date
01-Jun-2017
Languages
English
Journal
Anthropology in Action
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 24, Issue 2, Pages 36-43
Issue Date
01-Jun-2017
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