Koinadugu district, one of the MamaYe-E4A operational areas is the only district that has not reported an Ebola case, since the outbreak. It is amazing to note the strategies that have being put in place by the Koinadugu community in the fight against Ebola. Under the leadership of the District Medical Officer, Dr Francis Moses, Koinadugu has a functional District Ebola Taskforce that meets twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays).Dr Moses, a young medical doctor has spent sleepless nights ensuring that Koinadugu maintains the record of zero Ebola cases, he has been strongly supported by the leadership of the district Ebola taskforce, Dr Samura, who is the chairperson. Koinadugu district hospital was among the hospitals that first introduced hand washing facilities and people were specifically assigned by these facilities to ensure that people washed their hands before accessing the hospital.The Koinadugu Ebola Task Force comprise of representatives from all government ministries, district council, INGOs, civil society organizations, MamaYe activists, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups and traders association. Despite the rough terrains in Koinadugu district, the task force members undertook Ebola sensitization meetings in all the eleven chiefdoms. This was to ensure that communities are aware of the Ebola signs and symptoms and preventive measures. Community actions in the fight against Ebola included the reporting of persons presenting signs and symptoms as that of Ebola.The district Ebola task force has also succeeded in monitoring the entering of vehicles and people into Koinadugu district. Only essential vehicles are allowed to enter in the district which might be a known vehicle with food stuff or an identified NGO vehicle on duty. This stringent measure has helped in reducing the movement of people in and out of Koinadugu district.The MamaYe Advocacy group who are the Koinadugu district activists comprise of traditional and religious groups, motor bike riders, MCH Nurses, community advocacy group, youth and sport community groups, school drama group, drivers’ union, Health for All Coalition, Red Cross, market women association and voluntary blood donor club are also represented as members of the District Ebola Taskforce and the District Emergency Operation Centre in the social mobilization and child protection committees. Their commitment in the fight against Ebola is shown in their participation in the chiefdom level sensitization sessions organised by the District Ebola Task force, radio programmes and house to house sensitization. Talking to the Lead Activist, Steven Gilbrilla, he mentioned that “we the people of Koinadugu district with concerted effort we can fight Ebola from entering our district, we will continue to sensitize our people on hand washing, avoiding contact with people and dead bodies and to encourage our pregnant women to visit and deliver in health facilities ”.
Koinadugu district, where MamaYe activists have been working, is the only district that has not reported an Ebola case since the outbreak. It is important to note why.