Anthropologists Release Recommendations, Better Practices to Contain Ebola

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American Anthropological Association

Nov 26, 2014, 03:30 ET


Arlington, VA (PRWEB) November 26, 2014 -- Anthropologists have identified concrete recommendations that would foster greater effectiveness in containing and stopping Ebola, improve international support, and pave the way for long-term stability in healthcare systems in West Africa.

The report, “Strengthening West African Health Care Systems to Stop Ebola: Anthropologists Offer Insights,” will be made public during a press conference held by the American Anthropological Association (AAA), Fri., Dec. 5, 11 a.m., at the AAA Press Center, Park Tower Suite 8218, Marriott Wardman Park and Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The press conference is part of the 113th Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association (AAA), held Dec. 3-7, which will feature more than 5,000 sessions and special events with the theme, Producing Anthropology. Anthropologists will offer a provocation to examine the truths we encounter, produce and ultimately the communities in which we live.

The report is the work of the Ebola Anthropology Emergency Response Network and features the expertise of more 30 of the world’s leading anthropologists focused on public health, medical anthropology, containment of epidemic diseases and other key disciplines. These anthropologists have lived in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, researching and documenting societal and family structures, the region’s distinct subcultures, mobility patterns tied to agriculture, the impact of decades of war and poverty and the history with former colonial powers that make many West Africans leery of trusting international help – even in a crisis.

The conversation will continue during this afternoon session:

Averting Chronically Acute Crises: Bringing Anthropology to and from the Global Ebola Response

Fri., Dec. 5, 2014: 2:30-4:15 p.m. Marriott Wardman Park – Marriott Ballroom Salon 3
Chairs and presenters:
Doug Henry, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Susan Shepler, Ph.D., American University
Adia Benton, Ph.D., Brown University, Sharon Alane Abramowitz, Ph.D., University of Florida, Patricia A Omidian, Ph.D., World Health Organization – Liberia and Mark Nichter, Ph.D., University of Arizona.

The AAA Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park and Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., where more than 6,000 anthropologists will tackles some of those world’s most pressing issues, including: Ebola, public health, food security, the Middle East, social change, and climate change. There will be a week-long media festival.

Many sessions are open to the public, registration is required.

To participate, press must register by Dec. 1, 2014. Press will receive complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting sessions, press conferences, admittance to invited sessions, special events and access to press-only workspace. The AAA has a new Press Credential Policy to better serve press and their editorial coverage. Onsite press registration will not be granted.

  • - AAA - - Founded in 1902, the American Anthropological Association, with more than 10,000 members, is the world’s largest professional organization of anthropologists. The Association is dedicated to advancing human understanding and tackling the world’s most pressing problems.

Rachael Bishop, American Anthropological Association, http://www.aaanet.org, +1 (571)483-1163, [email protected]