Ebola is in the headlines and scare stories abound. The virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluid of an infected person. But what transforms it into such a devastating problem are social and economic conditions – and the panic that surrounds it. And though my work-related fundraising efforts at the moment are entirely focussed on supporting colleagues through the current ebola crisis, it would be easy to forget that this is not West Africa’s biggest killer; that dubious honour goes to malaria.
I'm a writer/researcher and a retired nurse. I worked in the NHS for over 30 years – as a nurse, midwife, specialist heath visitor and senior manager. I've also worked as a charity fundraiser. I retain a keen interest in the politics of health and illness in the developing and developed world. I have a specific interest in Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) with an associated website: www.shiftingsands.org.uk. Contact me at bridthehir@gmail.com