Doctor takes laughter to Ebola patients

Wednesday 18 February 2015


Dr David Wasambla in one of the treatment units.
Dr David Wasambla in one of the treatment units.

Doctor takes laughter to Ebola patients

Dr David Wasambla, 41, believes laughter is good medicine and refers to himself as ‘the medical comedian’.  For this reason, he took up a chance to travel to Ebola-hit Liberia not only as a doctor but also as a comedian and pastor. He says Ebola is not a laughing matter, but uses humour to lighten the mood in the treatment units. He works for International Organisation for Migration
By Rebecca Mutiso @rebeccamutheu
Tell us about yourself.
I am a doctor, a pastor and an actor. I have been a comedian for the past 18 years. I honed my skills after graduating in 2002. Until I left for Liberia, I was acting ‘Baba Boi’ in The Real Househelps of Kawangware comedy series in a local TV station. I work for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
So how did you end up medicine?
I attended Toi Primary School, then St Mary’s High School ,Yala then did medicine in Russia at Kuban State Medical Academy 1994- 2002. This is where I started professional stand up comedy in 1996. I joined Mbalamwezi Players and Dance Into Space for two years.
When did you leave for Liberia?
Last year, November 14.
Ebola is a highly contagious disease. What was your motivation?
I am a doctor, pastor, comedian and philanthropist. I like saving lives and helping those in need.
What is the Ebola situation in Liberia right now?
Screen Shot 2015-02-17 at 4.27.03 PM
Dr David Wasambla.
Things are much better now. Most of Liberia is now doing the countdown to 42 days. Hopefully, Liberia will be declared Ebola free soon.
Share some of your success stories?
Discharging four survivors from our Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) is the greatest reward for such a task. The statistics in Ebola are grim and getting people cured is a major achievement. More so, we had two children; 17 months old and five years old cured. Children aged five years and below rarely survive Ebola and this is amazing. A miracle really.
What has been your lowest point in Liberia?
Death of some Ebola patients despite all our efforts to save them. They were admitted in a critical state, but we still gave the best we could to treat them.
Tell us about Cheka Mtoto Aishi campaign.
‘Cheka Mtoi Aishi’ Trust is a charitable Trust that donates equipment to hospitals to save the lives of children.
How did you land on your latest job?
I applied through social media. Many people thought West Africa was a no go zone and did not even give the call a thought.
What was your family’s reaction?
My wife, Naomi Gathoni, is an angel… Really! She was apprehensive (as I was in the beginning) but very supportive. She knows my passion and my heart and that helping is what I live for and she allowed me to be used of God in this. She has been the backbone of all my humanitarian work. My daughters Angel (6 years, named after my wife’s nickname, Angel) and Kathy (two years and a half named after Reverend Kathy Kiuna) didn’t understand much about the distance and risks. But, I’m sure they know daddy is doing God’s work. They are my pillar and talking to them daily keeps me sane.
What are some of the challenges you face?
Having to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to enter ‘red zone’ to see patients is hard. The fact that the human element is lost makes it harder on both the patient and the health workers. The PPE is also tough to be in. Liberia is hot, then one is in PPE that has 100 per cent humidity! The fact that we can’t even shake hands in greeting in public was tough for a long time (touching is prohibited).
Has it ever crossed your mind you could catch the virus?
No. I am a man of faith and I always trusted that Jehovah would protect me and everyone else in the units. Also, the preventive measures in place, the thorough trainings and refreshers keep us on toes all the time. The donor ensures supportive supervision is carried out weekly.
How do you bring laughter in bad/sad situations?
Proverbs 17:22 is a scripture I take so literally it is the anchor scripture for our company, TKO Limited. I believe laughter actually treats. Humour and dance help me connect with patients, especially the younger ones. Comedy also helps keep me sane since I can script the stress away into stand-up comedy. I may do some of the comedies when I get back home.
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