Epidemics and National Identity

Watch Clip 6:(Vimeo 32:00 - 34:09; 2:09 run time)

This clip demonstrates how the epidemic affects the fabric of Sierra Leonean society and threatens cultural norms. It ends with Arthur Pratt saying, “It’s like everything that makes me who I am is under attack.”

● Discuss as a class how the epidemic affected the identities of individuals and the nation of Sierra Leone.

Become an Epidemiologist:Use the PBS NewsHour lesson plan to have students use epidemiological skills to create a public health intervention to contain a future hypothetical Ebola outbreak.

Prevention: An Ebola Vaccine

Have students read this May 30, w2018 article about the use of an experimental Ebola vaccine to quell an Ebola outbreak that is currently occuring in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ask students to write either: 1) persuasive essays in response to this article arguing for global funding for epidemic preparedness for poorly resourced countries (indicating what that might include) or 2) expository essays about the impact an Ebola vaccine may have on countries in Africa affected by Ebola.

Advanced Epidemiological Thinking:Teach statistical and epidemiological skills using the CDC high school lesson plan, “Something Wicked This Way Comes: The 2014 Ebola Response” to develop a national and international plan for Ebola response.