Ebola Deaths Rise As Patients Turn to Miracles Over Medicine
The spiritualizing of disease has led people to witch doctors and other healers. The modern church in Africa is sometimes seen as an extension of that tradition. As the promise of miraculous healing mixes with skepticism about the dangers and necessity for caution around deadly diseases, some Christians turn to faith-based treatment rather than medical care.
An evangelical pastor also passed away last month after praying with someone with Ebola who came to him for assistance. A Catholic priest infected by the disease has recovered and was able to recently return to his parish in the remote community of Itipo.
“Some people don't believe in the Ebola virus or in the medication provided, others are afraid of it,” said Jose Barahona, Oxfam’s DRC country director, according to Ekklesia.
“Cases of people leaving hospitals and refusing care have been reported, which could have dramatic...