Paper short abstract:

This paper reflects on recent research on the transnational communications of the Sierra Leone diaspora, their impact on health-seeking behaviour during the ebola outbreak, and the lessons that can be drawn for anthropological research on the role of diasporas in humanitarian emergencies.

Paper long abstract:

This paper reflects on recent research conducted on the Sierra Leone diaspora and its response to the ebola outbreak.

In contrast to the international community, the Sierra Leone Diaspora was quick to respond to the Ebola outbreak that started in March 2014. Operating through pre-existing family- and locality-based personal and institutional networks, Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora have undertaken a range of efforts to mitigate the effects of the outbreak back home, to support vulnerable and stigmatised groups and to raise awareness, funds and further action in the diaspora itself.

As such, the diaspora has been seen by both academics and governments as a potential player in the unfolding ebola response. For anthropologists, concerned about the problems of cultural resistance and socio-political distrust that have hampered public health initiatives, diaspora communications (phone calls, social and traditional media, visits, gifts and letters), have been of particular interest. My research asked the following questions:

1) How are the Sierra Leone diaspora responding to the ebola outbreak?

2) What is the impact of diaspora communications on local knowledge of ebola in Sierra Leone?

3) To what extent are these communications resulting in health-seeking behaviour?

In addition to reviewing the findings of this research, this paper reflects on the value of an anthropological perspective in answering such questions, and also the specific methodological challenges that have shaped research in this area. It also considers how research into diaspora communities and their role can aid humanitarian interventions in future.