23 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What were the primary environmental consequences of the 2014 Ebola epidemic?
Disruption of wildlife populations, widespread water pollution due to inadequate waste management.
How did the consumption of bushmeat contribute to the Ebola outbreak’s environmental impact?
Facilitated virus transmission from wildlife to humans, leading to significant declines in vulnerable animal populations (e.g., 10,000 gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates in West Africa between 2014 and 2016).
How did improper disposal of medical waste exacerbate water pollution during the Ebola outbreak?
Infected bodies were reportedly dumped into nearby rivers in Sierra Leone, intensifying environmental contamination.
What changes in land use occurred after the Ebola outbreak, and what were their environmental effects?
Disruptions in agricultural practices led to large-scale clearing of forest land for agriculture (e.g., 200,000 hectares in Sierra Leone), contributing to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
How did the Ebola epidemic impact the economies of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea?
Significant contraction: Liberia’s economy by $113 million, Sierra Leone’s by $95 million, and Guinea’s by $120 million (World Bank estimates).
How did the tourism sector in affected regions suffer due to Ebola?
30% decrease in tourism bookings globally; Gambia, heavily reliant on tourism, saw a 50-60% drop in visitors.
What was the economic impact on the agricultural sector during the Ebola epidemic?
Farmers avoided fields and markets, leading to increased rural poverty. This was critical as agriculture is a significant contributor to GDP in these countries.
What were the global economic ramifications of the Ebola epidemic regarding cocoa?
West Africa produces over 70% of the world’s cocoa (Ghana and Ivory Coast 60%), causing a global cocoa shortage.
How did foreign investment change during the Ebola epidemic, and what was an example of this impact?
Foreign investment dwindled as expatriate workers in key sectors left. Example: Road construction project by China Henan International Corporation Group halted, affecting trade between Liberia and Guinea.
What was the human toll of the 2014 Ebola epidemic?
Over 28,000 confirmed cases and 11,000 deaths.
What were some of the social consequences for children and affected populations?
More than 7,000 children orphaned, 9.4 million people living in affected areas, 2 million children in Sierra Leone missed school, leading to increased child labor.
How did the Ebola epidemic affect health systems and trust in health services?
Severely disrupted already struggling health systems; cultural stigma led to loss of trust; vaccination rates plummeted by 75%; pre-existing diseases (e.g., HIV) went untreated.
How did gender disparities manifest during the Ebola epidemic?
Women were disproportionately affected due to societal roles and practices, leading to higher infection rates (188 cases per 100,000 for women vs. 115 per 100,000 for men).
What challenge did Ebola survivors face after the epidemic?
Discrimination, with 96% reporting some form of discrimination in Sierra Leone, compounding challenges of reintegration and rebuilding lives.
