The Intelligence from The Economist Disbelief, dysfunction, disaster: Congo’s Ebola outbreak
Aug 1, 2019
Robert Guest, Foreign editor for The Economist, and Emily Bobrow, a writer focused on prison design, delve into Congo's devastating Ebola outbreak. They discuss the challenges of overcoming violence and distrust in the region, complicating the response to the crisis. The conversation shifts to the redesign of jails in America, advocating for rehabilitation over punishment and highlighting successful initiatives. They also touch on the absurdities of job ads, shedding light on how language affects perceptions in the workplace.
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Attacks on Ebola Clinics
- Gunmen attacked and burned down Ebola clinics in Congo.
- They accused health workers of profiting from the crisis.
Distrust and Disbelief
- Many Congolese distrust their government and outsiders, fueling disbelief in Ebola.
- This distrust, coupled with conspiracy theories, hinders the fight against the epidemic.
Election Conspiracy
- Postponed elections in Ebola-affected areas fueled a conspiracy theory.
- Some believe Ebola was fabricated to suppress voting, highlighting the political manipulation of the crisis.