Notes from Case Zero: Anthropology in the time of Ebola

On 29 March, social mobilizers speak with residents about Ebola virus disease (EVD), during the three-day stay-at-home curfew. The mobilizers are also distributing soap to households during the curfew, in addition to raising community awareness about EVD. From 27 to 29 March 2015 in Sierra Leone, a government-led stay-at-home curfew was held as part of the four-week Zero Ebola campaign to end infections in the country. The curfew was intended to re-energize Sierra Leoneans in the fight against Ebola virus disease (EVD). Health workers, surveillance officers and social mobilizers all played a role in the curfew, which provided an opportunity to teach communities about behaviours that contribute to the continued spread of EVD; to raise awareness of best practices that help prevent transmission of EVD (such as handwashing with water and soap); and to carry out door-to-door surveillance and contact tracing that allowed cases of EVD to be found, isolated and treated. UNICEF helped develop and supervise training for the social mobilizers and coordinate the mobilization efforts; procured soap distributed by the mobilizers during door-to-door outreach; and delivered water to some communities during the curfew.