BLACKTIVISM WITH NTOMBI (Canadian Country Representative)

Ebolaphobia is the real disease here.

In recent months, the Ebola epidemic has plagued pockets of four African countries- Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. What I find to be more saddening than the actual disease, but nonetheless expected, is the devaluing of African (Black) lives by the West. Ebola has devastatingly killed about 4 500 West African people, and it has received little attention in that regard. When the epidemic was found in the United States, the international media had a field day. This reinforces the devaluing of our lives.

Although the outbreak of the epidemic is a gravely matter, one needs to also critically analyze how the Western media portrays our beautiful continent. The epidemic is localized and thus affects a minute proportion of our continent. The likes of CNN, and other sources of propaganda solemnly portray the actuality of our vast landmass; yet continuously recycle falsified stories relating to wars and famine in Africa. They conveniently efface the fact that that violence in Africa has reached one of its lowest levels historically. They also fail to communicate to their viewership that diseases control measures implemented and carried out by African people are, undisputedly, the most effective globally. One can analyze Nigeria as a case study. Twenty cases of Ebola recently afflicted Nigeria, yet the country has now been declared as ‘Ebola free’. Nigerian medical officials swiftly announced Ebola as a health care emergency when the countries first case was initially confirmed. Local doctors were then sufficiently trained. Later, officials used social media and other methods of communication to manage fear. Finally, the country has kept its borders open to its fellow African brothers and sisters from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Perhaps the United States could take a cue or two from Nigeria on how to contain the spread of the disease, instead of ignorantly claiming that it intends to halt all flights to our continent.  But then again, to successfully portray the African continent, always reinforce that it is a disease filled, dirty, poverty stricken, war torn and barren land mass. And also, in your sentiments, remember to speak of Africa as a country, and not a continent!

- NTOMBI NKIWANE