U.S. health officials are turning to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo for help, as they are unable to send disease fighters in order to combat one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in history in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A well-known philanthropist in his native Congo, Mutombo recorded radio and video spots that are designed to influence people to take precautionary measures and seek care, which might help stop the spread of Ebola.
Since Monday, the CDC started posting the video spots on its YouTube channel and website. Health officials are trying to get radio and TV stations in the DRC to air them.
Since the outbreak was declared in August, over 2,200 people have been reported sick and nearly 1,500 people have died. It is the second deadliest Ebola outbreak, which is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with bodily fluids.
Community distrust and violent rebel attacks have greatly affected the Ebola response. Many medical centers have been attacked and militants have repeatedly threated health workers, making it tough to control the disease. In fact, in April, a WHO doctor who hailed from Cameroon was killed.
Because of these concerns, last year, the U.S. State Departments ordered CDC specialist to stay away from the outbreak areas.
Mutombo moved to the U.S. in the 1980s with an intention to pursue a medical degree. He told The Associated Press that he understands where the distrust comes from.
The NDA legend said, “Someone who doesn’t look like you, who doesn’t think like you, who is not from your village, who is from other places, just walk to your village with a nice beautiful white truck and telling you … ‘inject this chemical into your body to protect you from this deadly virus.’ That’s where there’s a fight. This is where we’re having a conflict.”
He added, “How do you that build trust? That’s the big problem we’re having in the Congo. I believe as a son of Congo, I think my voice can be heard. Because everyone in the country knows my commitment to the humanity and the health.”
The idea of the Public Service Announcements was sparked in February when Mutombo, who is also a member of the CDC Foundation’s governing board, was discussing the issue with Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC.
Dr. Redfield said, “We are deeply appreciative of his interest to try to get accurate information to the community.”
Previously, Mutombo did PSA focused on polio and yellow fever. The new audio and video spots were recorded in French, Kiswahili, and Lingala, which talk about recognizing the early signs of the disease, early treatment, and prevention measures.
