Traditional and biosocial approach to Ebola treatment and mitigation

Traditional and biosocial approach to Ebola treatment and mitigation

Introduction

Ebola is a deadly disease virus that in people and nonhuman primates. It has been a dominant epidemic sub-Saharan Africa in the recent past affecting communities in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. Many people from this disease in the last five years. Considerable efforts have been made to the deadly disease with many positive results since 2014. Ebola has negatively equally affected population and health profession in west Africa and accounts for almost 70% of mortality. It has, therefore, become a global epidemic since it has raised concerns in the whole global world. This infection is transmitted when there is direct contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person or animal.it spreads so fast to other people when exposed secretions of an infected person when taking of an ill individual.

Further, it is essential to note that Ebola is a zoonotic virus since its origin is from animals and spreads to human beings. No vaccine for Ebola has not yet been found although we have quite a number of them in development. The study herein explores how traditional medical mission and biosocial approaches are applied in mitigate the Ebola epidemic. The two approaches shall be compared and contrasted to determine which one is effective.

Traditional medical missions approach

The traditional medical mission focuses on the major causes for the spread of Ebola by the use of short term therapeutic approach. Such methods include the provision. However, it does not consider the impact of social actions and the factors that limit progressive control of the spread of the virus. The traditional mission began in the US in late 1960 by US charity groups which were focused on providing medical care and treatment. The diseases attracted the attention of the united nation in its mandate of addressing global health issues. Over the past year’s medical research have been initiated to find a vaccine that can be used to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. In October 2014, the world organization (WHO) licensed two Ebola intending to prevent its spread. It is estimated that the vaccines will prevent the spread of Ebola by 80 per cent. Provision of vaccine is one of the considered medical mission approaches.

Moreover, the traditional medical approach takes into account the role of traditional healers and medication in compacting Ebola. They into practice when the scientific method fails to provide an amicable solution. Strict compliance with the preventive measures by individuals in the affected regions is a profound aspect desired in mitigating spread of the virus. However, such steps are, in most case, confined in the traditional and spiritual realms. In the African context, the causes are either categorized as natural or metaphysical causes. The metaphysical reasons are those causes that constitute the spiritual realm such as witchcraft or punished by ancestor due to breaking of taboos. Therefore, traditional healers play a pivotal role in providing cure under such circumstances in which scientific method cannot. The research carried out by the world Health organization indicates that approximately 70-80 per cent on the sub-Saharan African population relies on traditional medicine. Individuals often seek health care services from traditional healers. Although conventional medicine can have a positive impact on health care as far prevention and treatment are concerned, it is also associated with a lot of adverse effects. For instance, a recent study shows that traditional healers who were making an incision in the body of Ebola patients also contracted the disease and eventually spread it to other patients.

Biosocial approach

Contrary, to the traditional medical mission approach, the biosocial approach enables participants to acknowledge social factors of health such as lack of access to medical infrastructure, poverty. The surrounding environment is also regarded as a social factor that affects health practices in a given locality. Also, biosocial approach amplifies on the significance of educating individuals on the long-term mechanism that can help combats Ebola virus

WHO reports that the prevalence of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is so high, and this significantly contributes to the quick spread of Ebola. Lack of financial resource that could help purchase improved medical equipment t0 mitigate the epidemic has proved to one of the leading social factors. In the event of an outbreak of the viruses, the step is bioprocess that involves treatment. The biosocial approach takes into account both the biological components and social, economic aspect that is associated with the provision of health care. Strengthening healthcare systems is one of the significant parts of the biosocial approach. If there are no robust health system controlling and treatment of Ebola cannot be effectively achieved. For a robust health infrastructure to be delivered, then, there must adequate financial and human resources. Also, the provision of information to the entire population on what cause Ebola and how it is transmitted will help people to be cautious. Such education on preventive measures is considered as a biosocial approach.

There are several differences between traditional medical mission approach to global health and the biosocial approach. The conventional aims at treating the ill-health issue at hand. On the other hand, the biosocial approach focuses on the sustainability of medical efforts in the long run.

Conclusion.

The biosocial approach to global health has help reduced mortality in an area where Ebola virus is prevalent. Through educational programs, it has enabled most affected societies to implement a health program to help compact Ebola. Although, the biosocial lens is a positive development to health care provision, there are situations where traditional medical styles are required, such as a natural disaster.