ABSTRACT
This study explored how elite press in Britain and the United States framed the 2014 Ebola outbreak compared to how three West African countries covered the same epidemic. This comparison showed that the press in Britain and the USA emphasised the limitations of the African continent, resorting to ancient stereotypes about the continent to make sense of the situation. The media is West Africa, highlighted the broader implications of the outbreak on the African continent. The findings in this study have broader consequences that border on systemic approaches to coverage of health.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes on contributor
Adaobi Duru is an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana, Monroe Communication Program. Her research is in strategic and political communication. She examines the effects of political communication regarding health policies. She also investigates the use of social media in health communication. She teaches Public Relation, Public Opinion, Political Communication and Research Methods. Adaobi currently serves as the ULM PRSSA chapter adviser.