When Ebola Hits Close to Home: Awareness, Support, and Prevention
Thursday, October 16, 2014
The ever-growing threat of the Ebola virus has gone from a West African problem to a human problem, says Dr. John McCray of the African Studies Department at the University of Rhode Island. It is important that the West African nations of Liberia, Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone and beyond, receive not only the finances, but also the materials needed to protect the spread of the deadly virus, he says. This is one of the goals of Thursday’s seminar on the Ebola virus-- taking place at the University of Rhode Island’s Providence Campus.
Another goal of the seminar, according to URI Career Advisor Princess Metuge, is to provide support and to dispel the stereotype about nationals and immigrants from the West African region. According to Metuge, who is Liberian, it is important to create both awareness and a support system for the students, alumni, faculty and staff from the region effected by Ebola.
The public seminar on Ebola will bring together, scholars, health officials, and members of Rhode Island’s West African immigrant community as a way to bring awareness to the disease and put forth education on effective preventative measures for those with family abroad. It is open and encouraged to the public.
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Prevention is just as valuable-- if not more-- than a cure. And it begins with conversation and effective action, ultimately enforcing the proper preventative safety measures in Africa to stop the spread of the deadly virus, says Metruge.
It is through proper education and awareness that prevention occurs, ultimately eradicating this destructive disease.
The seminar is sponsored by the URI Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, the URI Africana Studies Program and the URI Graduate Professional Center. For more information, call 401-277-5200 or visit here. URI Providence is located at 80 Washington St in Providence.
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