What does it mean to be a survivor? The identity and stigmatisation of Ebola survivors in Monrovia, Liberia

The Ebola epidemic in Liberia has had a huge impact on individuals and communities. Community perceptions about Ebola can affect the efficiency of Ebola interventions and cause&nbsp;the stigmatisation of patients, health-care workers and&nbsp;survivors. The experiences of those who are considered&nbsp;&lsquo;survivors&rsquo; of Ebola cannot be ignored.<br /> <br /> Qualitative research was used to explore the following questions: <ul> <li>How do Ebola survivors in Monrovia feel about the identity that has been given to them?</li> <li>How do survivors of Ebola influence community perceptions of the virus?</li> <li>What kind of challenges and stigmatisation do survivors of Ebola experience?</li> <li>What kind of interventions are required to reduce the stigma?</li> </ul> A better understanding of the Ebola virus will lead to the harmonisation of messages relating to both survivors and to the potential sexual transmission of Ebola.&nbsp;Information around Ebola survivors needs to be communicated beyond&nbsp;authority figures and community leaders. Psycho-social and health promotional teams need to provide ongoing&nbsp;assistance to survivors, their families and communities through&nbsp;outreach activities and through supporting survivor&rsquo;s organisations.