Getting to Zero: A Doctor and a Diplomat on the Ebola Frontline

by Sinéad Walsh, Oliver Johnson

In 2014, a 28-year old British doctor found himself co-running the Ebola isolation unit in Sierra Leone's main hospital after the doctor in charge had been killed by the virus. Completely overwhelmed and wrapped in stifling protective suits, he and his team took it in turns to provide care to patients while removing dead bodies from the ward. Against all odds he battled to keep the hospital open, as the queue of sick and dying patients grew every day. Only a few miles down the road the Irish Ambassador and Head of Irish Aid worked relentlessly to rapidly scale up the international response. At a time when entire districts had been quarantined, she travelled around the country, and met with UN agencies, the President and senior ministers so as to be better placed in alerting the world to the catastrophe unfolding in front of her. In this blow-by-blow account, Walsh and Johnson expose the often shocking shortcomings of the humanitarian response to the outbreak, both locally and internationally, and call our attention to the immense courage of those who put their lives on the line every day to contain the disease. Theirs is the definitive account of the fight against an epidemic that shook the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Africa, Health, Science, Medical

442 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2018

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be compulsory reading material for anyone involved in humanitarian aid and international crisis management and beyond, for epidemiologists, NGO workers, volunteers and the general public. In light of the new Ebola crisis in DRC right now, this is key preparation as to what to do in the case of such a dangerous threat to humans. A lot can be learnt from this, without needing to reinvent the wheel. What I took away from it really is that it is key to have solid day to day management in place before a crisis kicks in. Solid lines of accountability, dedicated and flexible workers, a willingness to engage the community and adapt the response to its customs and uses. And even a willingness to recognise that corruption must be taken into account and talked about to avoid it freezing and delaying a response.

The book is narrated in diary format and makes for an urgent and passionate read about the early response to the crisis from two individuals who were on the ground already, and Irish ambassador and a King's health specialist. Their daily issues and struggles, defeat and success, are laid out honestly and compellingly. Their personal motivation and drive is what made the difference in this crisis. As did many other individuals' against the conversely slow and mammoth-like responses from organisations such as WHO and the UN. It seems these organisations were initially stoppers rather than enablers at least in Sierra Leone.

[Alan Fricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of two peoples experience within the ebola outbreak in sierra leone. Much that is infuriating, moving and inspiring.

[Phil Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read. A very balanced and insightful account into Sierra Leone's struggle against Ebola. Many thoughtful criticisms coming from a place of genuine desire for positive change. Thank you for documenting your important perspectives on this critical time in history. Let us all be humble and open to do things better.

[Fritze Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class, but finished it so quick. I liked how they went back and forth between the authors and followed the outbreak so closely in time. Total global health nerd out

[Cat Perrins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this having just finished ‘The Hot Zone,’ which warns of an Ebola epidemic, and essentially wanting to gain more information on what happened when the Ebola virus did spread in humans. ‘Getting to Zero’ was perhaps not the best book to read as it really focuses on the response rather than on what caused the outbreak or how it spread.

It’s written from two perspectives - an ambassador and a health worker - which is interesting but also somewhat confusing if you don’t fully understand the two roles.

I feel bad giving this an average review as both the narrators are clearly incredible people who have made a huge difference in Sierra Leone. But really, this book is more like an essay written on the key failings as well as the achievements of the Ebola response. If you are an emergency worker or looking to coordinate disaster responses then this book is probably invaluable to you but as a general reader it is quite heavy going and details-focused.

Further, whilst I do understand not wanting to dramatise Ebola or focus on the ‘gruesome’ details this skims over what was happening to people almost in entirety, sort of assuming you know what was happening on a ground level - so if you don’t, it feels slightly confusing and detached.

If you are planning on working with Ebola, in infection or as an emergency response worker then this is a very necessary read- if not it might take you some time to work through.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ebola has taught us what works best in an emergency is not an emergency system – it is an everyday system that is robust, resilient, and functioning before the crisis begins.”

I read most of this book in 2019 and then set it aside for some reason. It was fascinating to return to the final chapter in which the authors comprehensively assess the world’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa and read it now, two years into the global covid pandemic. Hopeful (but not wildly optimistic) that we’ll hold on to the lessons learned in both situations and be better prepared for the next one.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! Had to read it for my summer class about COVID-19 and the political science side of the current pandemic. I liked reading the two sides of the story (clinical AND political). I feel like both authors conveyed events and emotions to the reader well. My criticism of this book is concerning the amount of "characters". I feel as though I personally could not keep track of all of the people and actors that were discussed throughout the book. However, locations were very clear and continuously reminded of.

[Justin Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant description of the Ebola outbreak, the fight to get things done right and the resistance from all sides

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - particularly enlightening to read during COVID. Very insightful!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense book.

[Eilymay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and rather prescient for the failings of the WHO which we are all living with today.

[Robyn Tobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful book. However, felt repetitive at times (especially the afterword).

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a down to earth account of the difficulties that arose during the Ebola crisis due to cultural issues, and a lack of understanding of the people of Sierra Leone, their traditions and the Sierra Leone way of life. The doctor and diplomat, who wrote this book, merely stood in their shoes, and helped clear the path to "getting to zero". So well written, heart wrenching and compelling. A must read by everyone who sets foot in Sierra Leone! It will help you to understand the people, their feelings, traditions and culture.