Infectious Diseases as Threat to International Security-The Case of West Africa
Loading...
Date
2016-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The 2014 Ebola Virus Disease emerged as a landmark representation o f the threat of infectious diseases within the sub-region. The disease was dominant in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leonne and threatened the internal security of numerous states within the region. Over the 2 year span of the disease, it resulted in over 11, 300 deaths and left behind devastating social-economic impacts. The period of the outbreak called for much global attention and the eventual securitization of the
disease by ECOWAS and the United Nations Security Council. The study seeks to explore the consciousness of the West African public in conceptualizing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as a threat to security. It further examines the influences of socio-cultural factors in the securitizing the disease. The study employs a qualitative method in the gathering and analysis of data. Information was obtained from key informants and through the analysis is of relevant data. Findings of the study elucidate the various factors that fueled the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. Amidst the existent weak public health systems of most West African states, there were numerous social-cultural factors that impeded the successful containment of the disease within sub-region. Some of these factors largely bordered on rites of passage and the ordinary practices of the communities within most states. The beliefs of sections of communities also vehemently opposed the tenets of the instituted containment measures with in states. In essence, the conceptualization of the disease by the public and some state institutions hugely undermined the efforts of the various actors in containing the disease. Although securitized by major global actors, the consciousness of the public of the disease as a security threat was at variance the Securitization act. Also, ECOWAS as a regional actor demonstrated significant frailties in offering adequate support to contain the disease. The study recommends that ECOWAS.
Dedicates substantial resources by way of a health fund in order to forestall similar impacts in future occurrences of pandemics. Also, peace education should be advanced within communities.
to heighten awareness and consciousness of such threats in sustaining the region.
Description
MA International Affairs
Keywords
Ebola Virus, infectious diseases, United Nations Security Council, public health systems