Facebook Fights Ebola Through Internet Access, Education, And Donations

As scientists and doctors battle the disease with medicines and research, Facebook fights Ebola in its own way, by doing what it’s always done: linking people together.

The social media giant announced Thursday that it would be joining the efforts to eradicate the Ebola. They’ll be using a three-point plan:

1. Bring ways to donate directly to the public.

Sometimes, busy lives and distractions get in the way of good intentions. To follow through, it helps to have a reminder that’s right in your face…book. Thus, there is a notification inviting users to donate, and an option to pick from three organizations for different aspects of Ebola aid.

Users can donate to the International Medical Corps, the American Red Cross, or Save the Children. Donations to the IMC directly benefit the treatment of patients and the training of health workers in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Donations to the Red Cross aid in safe burials, treatments, and community education to help prevent the spread of Ebola. Gifts to Save the Children help build treatment centers, provide medical equipment, train health workers, and provide protection for orphans in the affected areas.

2. Connect people to accurate and timely information.

Facebook is teaming up with UNICEF to deliver educational information about Ebola to people in affected areas. The messages appear in users’ news feeds, and give information about preventing the transfer of Ebola, treating symptoms, and identifying the disease.

3. Make information accessible.

Many affected areas lack cellular coverage and other communication access. Facebook aims to fight Ebola by helping provide this. They’ll partner with NetHope to donate 100 satellite terminals to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. These will provide voice and data services for health workers, and will be focused in areas with the highest case loads and lowest current access to communications..

Reactions to the Ebola crisis are widely varied, from politicians declaring quarantines to health professionals speaking against excessive fear, to mockery and humor. However, as Facebook fights Ebola in its own way, it may provide the opportunity for the spread of accurate information, and change the face of public reaction.