Rev. Meekie Glayweon, Coordinator of the Ebola Survivor Network of Liberia
MONROVIA, April 6 (LINA) – The Coordinator of the Ebola Survivor Network of Liberia, Rev. Meekie Glayweon, has said that stigmatization against Ebola survivors has reached an alarming rate and must be addressed with urgency.
Rev. Glaywean observed that the persistent stigmatization of Ebola survivors is leading to depression, fear and rejection, something she said must be stopped as survivors depend on the general care of the public to keep healthy.
“The issue of stigma and Ebola survivors is a very huge challenge and Ebola survivors must be dignified, Glayweon said at the Ministry of Information daily Ebola press conference at the ministry on Monday.
Glayweon indicated that as the result of stigmatization Ebola survivors who are already victims of trauma and stress are forced in addition to live with anxiety as well as psychological and emotional disorders.
According to her, the survivor network has listed a total of 1,538 survivors, 53 percent of which regularly complains of body ache, while another 18 percent is having eye defects that require urgent attention.
She also disclosed that the survivor network has recorded six male Ebola survivors who are now impotent as the result of the disease while one survivor is also suffering from paralysis.
In terms of survivor age and diversity, Glayweon noted that the network has the tedious task to cater to survivors of all ages, social, cultural and religious backgrounds, adding that the youngest recorded Ebola survivor is now one year-old while the oldest is 91 years.
Meanwhile, Glayweon has also urged government, local and international philanthropic organizations to continue to provide the necessary assistance as well as psychosocial support that will enhance the provision of care to Ebola survivors.
LINA