Approximately 10 years ago, Sierra Leone was hit by a devastating outbreak that claimed over 3,000 lives, disrupted societies in ways no one ever imagined and left many families bearing the brunt.

The Ebola outbreak tested the resilience of both ordinary Sierra Leoneans and health workers, who found themselves in the frontline fighting invisible, deadly enemies with limited resources. The epidemic left profound and long-lasting scars in Sierra Leone, especially in the Pate-Bana Marank community, where at least 245 children were orphaned.

Pate-Bana Marank, a small village nestled in Bombali District, northern part of Sierra Leone, had its first encounter with Ebola virus through a stranger and sand miner, Hassanatu. According to the ceremonial chief of Pate-Bana Marank, Kapr Fallah Kapen, the peaceful existence of the community was shattered after Hassanatu returned from visiting her grandmother. Hassanatu visited her grandmother who was admitted at ABD Hospital in Makeni. During her visit to the hospital, Hassanatu reportedly rescued an Ebola patient – marking her first encounter with the virus.

Shortly after she returned to Pate-Bana Marank, Hassanatu fell sick and was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately she died. However, her friends, Doris and Marie Kargbo, who had been in contact with her before she passed away began to show symptoms of the disease: fever, weakness, and fatigue, which later escalated into severe signs of Ebola. They also passed away. Their deaths caused the virus to spread in the community. Since both women were well-known in Pate-Bana Marank, many people opted to bathe their bodies before they were buried, indirectly spreading the disease further.

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Although health workers confirmed that the three people had died from Ebola, the villagers remained reluctant and claimed that their deceased were victims of witchcraft.

“We did not believe Ebola was real,” Francis Koroma, an Ebola survivor, said.

“Our disbelief in the existence of the virus, among other reasons, accelerated the spread of the disease in our community,” he added.

The death of Hassanatu, Doris and Marie Kargbo was not the end of tragedy in Pate-Bana Marank. It was the beginning of a devastating chain of events for the entire community. The outbreak not only impacted the socio-economic life of people in the community but also left health and psychological scars.

“I lost 14 members of my family. Now, l live with the fear of dying soon,” Francis Koroma said.

The Ebola outbreak killed at least 119 people in Pate-Bana Marank, left 245 orphans and 39 survivors.

The Ebola survivors in Pate-Bana Marank have suffered a strike of psychological trauma, following rain of discrimination and provocation from others. Many survivors have faced rejections, because of their contacts with the virus. However, to address this, the community has enacted bylaws, prescribing punishments for anyone who provokes the survivors.

Before the Ebola outbreak, the people of Pate-Bana Marank community were mostly farmers and petty traders. However, during the outbreak, most of the skilled farmers died. Worst still, people from neighbouring villages stopped trading with Pate-Bana Marank, leading to economic stagnation in the community. Resorts were also closed and local businesses suffered greatly.

In addition, the orphans and survivors have been left hopeless, as the government and non-government organizations no longer support them. They have become burdens on the families that have adopted them.

Another strong effect of Ebola on Pate-Bana Marank community is the high rate of school dropouts. When the virus intensified its calamity in the community, many pupils were forced to drop out of school.

“I need help in education. I want to go back to school,” M’balu Conteh cries for help.

Following the devastating effects of Ebola, the people of Pate-Bana Marank, including children and women, have cried out for help in education and agriculture.

Although the indelible scars of Ebola remain bright in Sierra Leone, precisely Pate-Bana Marank, the lessons learnt from the epidemic continue to reshape the attitude of citizens and the country’s response to future health emergencies. The resilience and courage of the people of Pate-Bana Marank will continue to be honoured.