The Invisible Victims of Epidemics: Chronic Disease Patients Left Behind
During Ebola outbreaks, official statistics typically only record those infected with and killed by the virus. Yet there is a group of people whose suffering is completely overlooked—chronic disease patients whose conditions deteriorate or become fatal when routine healthcare is disrupted. Diseases requiring continuous medication and regular check-ups—such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease—can turn deadly under lockdowns and overwhelmed health systems.
A True Story: Jean's Last Text Message
Jean (a pseudonym), a 20-year-old with severe type 1 diabetes, weighed only 27 kilograms. He lived in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Ebola outbreak coincided with armed conflict. Jean's father opposed insulin treatment, believing traditional healing was faster and more effective, forcing Jean to inject himself secretly in bathrooms. The outbreak's road closures, rising transport costs, and food shortages pushed the already impoverished Jean into desperation. He repeatedly asked aid workers for food, because insulin must be taken with meals to avoid fatal hypoglycemia. On April 26, 2026, Jean sent his last plea for help and then disappeared. He was confirmed dead in early June, with the exact cause unknown.
How Outbreaks Amplify Risks for Chronic Patients
- Healthcare resource diversion: Hospitals and clinics focus on Ebola response, reducing or suspending routine outpatient services, leaving chronic patients without follow-up care or medication refills.
- Transport disruption: Roadblocks and checkpoints increase travel costs, making it impossible for impoverished patients to reach health facilities.
- Food insecurity: Outbreaks disrupt supply chains and drive up food prices. Diabetic patients cannot maintain regular meals, making insulin use far more dangerous.
- Fear of infection: Afraid of contracting Ebola at hospitals, many patients delay or forgo necessary care, including blood sugar testing and insulin refills.
- Social mistrust: Decades of conflict and poverty have eroded trust in official health systems, affecting everything from Ebola containment to chronic disease management.
Protecting Chronic Patients During Outbreaks
The local diabetes association (ADIC) in Goma has maintained services throughout the outbreak, offering temperature screening, hand sanitization, and blood glucose testing. International organizations have supplied insulin and protective equipment. However, experts emphasize more fundamental solutions: integrating chronic disease management into emergency preparedness plans; training community health workers for home visits; securing supply chains for essential medicines like insulin; and building trust through community and religious leaders to encourage continued care-seeking.
Conclusion: Every Life Deserves to Be Seen
Jean's story reminds us that behind outbreak statistics lie countless patients who lose their lives to indirect impacts. As we respond to infectious disease outbreaks, we must not forget those who depend on routine medical care. Their lives are equally precious; their needs are equally urgent. The Xiaoshu Health App can sync with Apple Health to track relevant metrics, helping diabetic patients record blood sugar, diet, and medication use—even in challenging times, enabling better self-management.