The threat of Ebola is real and spiraling out of control. The death toll and rates of infection are taking the lives of many, both young and old – the lives of people who could very well be strangers, but who were also our neighbors, neighbors who were our friends, friends who were loved ones, loved ones who we all miss dearly. Ebola has taken away people who have or could have contributed to making the world a better place. Now all we are left with are memories: empty, hollow spaces of potential that will never be filled.

As young leaders, we must not sit idly by and expect others to address this monstrous epidemic. When we become casual observers, our neighbors, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and grandparents die undignified deaths. I call it undignified, not because of the pain in which victims of Ebola leave the earth but because Ebola is not new to us. This disease has been known to us for almost 40 years, greatly, unjustly ignored.

Ebola may be the epidemic “du jour”; the next social media fad and rampage, but the disease is here to stay – unless we take action. Realists might argue that it is high time that Africans become the sole innovators solving their own problems. To those I would say, that is easier said than done. Africa is full of creativity, but collaboration is at the heart of addressing issues that affect the world. As an optimist, I know that the day will come when we, Africans, will find the solutions not only to our own problems, but also the problems of our global community at large. Day in and day out, I see my peers and other young people, African and non-African, working tirelessly on various causes, striving to make this world a better place for everyone, even in the face of adversity, destructive criticism, and political turmoil.

Until my optimism proves true, let us not let those who have passed die in vain. Let us come together and tackle this disease before it breaks already overwhelmed health infrastructures and unravels the gains made in tackling many of today’s health inequities. The WHO Ebola Response Team estimates that without effective intervention and control protocols that aim to contain the virus, countries already impacted by the epidemic will begin reporting weekly cases and death rates in the thousands.

I call on all of you – my fellow peers in global health – because I am tired of sitting on my comfortable chair, behind my laptop, in the safety of my room, reading each day about the battle many are losing before they can prepare for the fight. I am afraid that tomorrow I will wake up with fingers pointing at me, asking, “Ramatoulie, what did you do to help? Where were you in the fight?” I will be mute because the answer will be, “Nothing. Nowhere.”

As fellows and a community, this is an opportune time for us to put our heads together and play our own part to make the difference that we all believe we are here for. What legacy do we want to leave behind? How do we want to be remembered in the time of Ebola?

If you are like me, you are probably wondering: “How can I join in the fight against Ebola?” Here are just a few ways:

We can continue to be the calm advocates the world needs in the midst of chaos and hysteria. We can support those who are sacrificing their lives and livelihoods on the frontlines and in the background. We can hold each other accountable. Most importantly, we can come together with our diverse skill sets to find simple solutions to tackle a complex global problem.

Let us take a stand. Let us be the shoulders of giants that the world needs.

 

 

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