In the world of infectious diseases, a lot of sadness hides behind acronyms. Recently, Concern became involved with one of the very saddest: DBM, or Dead Body Management.
Safe burials key to stopping Ebola epidemic
In the Western Area of Sierra Leone, which includes the capital city of Freetown, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of Ebola transmissions are the result of contact with dead bodies. That means that the safe disposal of dead bodies is critical to breaking the cycle of transmission.
Of course, a lot of sadness hides behind the word, ‘disposal,’ too.
Up until recently, less than a third of burials in Freetown were considered safe. Now, almost 98 percent are safe. This is a huge accomplishment, and a direct result of efforts by Concern’s Freetown team and our partners.
More than just safety: dignity
But safety is not our only goal. We’re also working to ensure that the deceased and their families are treated with dignity and respect. We’re making sure that every grave is marked and registered, and has its own headstone. A small number of family members can attend the burial. It’s the simple, small dignities like this that families were being denied as burial crews became overwhelmed with bodies. And that’s why people were keeping the bodies of their loved ones at home, and that’s why they were getting infected themselves.
Safe burials increased from 30 percent to 98 percent. How did we do it?
Concern and two other partners are working to bring the number of unsafe burials in Freetown to zero. When Concern took over the management of 120 people in 10 DBM teams, we made a few small changes that had a big impact:
- DBM teams are now paid regularly and on-time – and so far we’ve had no strikes
- DBM teams are properly protected and rigorously monitored – and so far we’ve had no infections
- Night crews clean, service and stock vehicles so that day crews don’t have to – increasing operating hours from six to ten per day
- Cemeteries are given support to meet increasing demand and properly record graves
- Using our logistics and procurement systems, command centers can quickly get necessary supplies
Dead Body Management is not a nice thing to talk about. It can seem scary and gruesome. But if it is done right, it’s also an important opportunity to honor the dead and protect the living. And that’s why it’s such an important part of Concern’s work to stop the spread of Ebola.
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