The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is evolving rapidly and has been described by Doctors Without Borders as “out of control”. In Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea in particular, the virus has found a naturally ally in impoverished, hard to reach communities.
Sierra Leone is now at the epicenter of the outbreak, and access to affected villages has been hampered not only by rain and poor roads, but also by rumor and fear. In this context, radio has an essential role to play, providing information in local languages and engaging local leaders in helping people understand the steps to take to avoid spreading the disease.
Independent radios have been quick to react, working together to produce and broadcast programming that responds to the acute need for more information on the virus. At Cotton Tree News-Radio Mt. Aureol at Fourah Bay College above the capital Freetown, a team of professional and student journalists are reporting on the virus and bringing together decision makers and members of national and local government in live interactive debates. Recent guests include representatives from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, the Inter-religious Youth Council, and the Voice of Islam Radio.
Programs being broadcast are mostly straight forward fact based reporting, such as: The Ebola outbreak and partners involved in containing the epidemic; Causes and prevention of Ebola; Treatment Centers and kits for medical staff. The radio has also explored themes such as the role of religious leaders in the fight against the Ebola disease and public perception about efforts to contain the Ebola virus, providing a platform for dialogue and interactivity and fulfilling its role as a teaching radio in the public service.
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