Before COVID-19, there was Ebola — a virus that ravaged West Africa and fueled fear that tore at the social fabric of communities. The stories and lessons learned from Ebola have never been so relevant.

In 2013, the Ebola virus hit Guinea. The lack of trust between communities, health workers, and authorities hindered its eradication. In two years, 2,543 citizens died. Afterward, many people saw health centers as hotbeds for Ebola. This fear dissauded people from receiving vaccinations and other needed health services.

Since 2017, the USAID-funded "Citizen Participation in Health Governance" project has been restoring the confidence and trust needed to manage epidemics in Guinea. As an implementing partner, Search collaborates with Family Health International (FHI 360) to use participatory theater to dispel fear and misinformation about health centers and workers. Actors portray real situations with themes around health and invite the audience to join in, allowing the community to be part of the solution.

With COVID-19 at the door, this program came at a crucial time. A doctor, a chief, a woman, and an actor share how theater has transformed them and their communities. Here are their stories.