ProfBD

I have heard that MSF's request for support from the US military in responding to the Ebola crisis is unprecedented. Have there historically been any requests by MSF for US military support in response to other crises? Also, what is your perception of the utility of the proposed 24-bed treatment facility for healthcare workers offered by the US government, in comparison to the overall need?

I really love the second question here. I've been teaching about the Ebola epidemic in my global health class, and within the dominant social discourse the line feels very thin between acknowledging the severity of the problem and contributing to undue panic.

I don't have an answer for this myself, although my approach in teaching my own class is that my students are less likely to panic and spread misinformation if they get reliable, nuanced information from me and from trusted resources in class lecture and discussion. As it's an undergraduate course, they would have still a good bit of schooling ahead of them before potentially finding themselves in charge of global communications for a major outbreak.

I was in Liberia in January 2012 and conducted interviews in and around Redemption Hospital. I still use pictures of the public health announcements on the outside of the building in my slides. Seeing your mattress picture and especially hearing your personal account of how conditions have deteriorated there is heartbreaking to me, but I am glad to have the information. Thank you for your work.