Comfort Kollie

In 2014, West Africa was ravaged by the Ebola outbreak, which claimed the lives of thousands and infected over 13,000 people in the region. Comfort was working as a scrub nurse at Phebe Hospital in Bong County, Liberia, when she encountered the virus. One day, on her way to work, a man gave up his seat for her on a bus. A few days later, that same man died from Ebola. Soon after, Comfort began to experience symptoms. The disease’s spread was swift, and its symptoms were devastating—fever, severe weakness, and hemorrhaging.

Once her symptoms had manifested, Comfort withdrew from her family, and her husband called an ambulance to take her to the International Medical Corps’ newly opened Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU), just miles from Phebe Hospital. She remembers the uncertainty of those first few days vividly. Upon her arrival, she was uncertain about her chances of survival. The fear of death felt overwhelming, but the encouragement from her loved ones helped her persevere. Her husband expressed his confidence in her survival every day, while her phone constantly rang with calls from her children, friends, and colleagues. Their support, along with the care provided at the ETU, gave her the strength to keep fighting.

For 17 days, Comfort battled the virus inside the ETU. On October 3, 2014, she received the life-changing news that she was Ebola-free. She vividly remembers the relief and joy of that moment. “I was very happy that day,” she recalls with a smile. “I took off going all around the ETU saying, ‘God, thank you. I have been saved from Ebola.’” Comfort became the first female survivor to leave the ETU in north-central Liberia. Her victory over the virus gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She made a vow: if she survived, she would return to the ETU to care for the remaining patients. And that’s exactly what she did.

On November 7, 2014, just a month after being declared virus-free, Comfort received a call from the International Medical Corps. They asked her to return to the ETU and join their team as a caregiver. Comfort didn’t hesitate. She had firsthand experience with the virus, and she knew the toll it took on the patients. Equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), Comfort spent countless nights in the ETU, caring for patients around the clock. Her empathy and understanding made her a valuable asset to the team. As someone who had lived through the fear and suffering of Ebola, she could connect with the patients in a way few others could.

Comfort’s work at the ETU was especially impactful for the youngest patients. She recalls the pride she felt in helping save the lives of many children, including a four-month-old baby named Josephine. Baby Josephine was gravely ill, and Comfort, along with the rest of the ETU staff, stayed by her side day and night. But despite the odds, Josephine recovered, and her survival became a celebrated moment in the ETU. The day Josephine was discharged, everyone in the unit rejoiced. Josephine’s recovery was a symbol of hope, not just for her family but for the entire ETU.

Despite her recovery from Ebola, Comfort, like many survivors, continues to face health challenges. She experienced significant complications after the virus, including impaired eyesight and joint pain. For a time, she could barely see and struggled to walk. Fortunately, she has received treatment through the International Medical Corps’ program for Ebola survivors at Phebe Hospital. With ongoing eye care and physiotherapy, her vision has improved, and her joint pain has lessened. She continues to receive care for these long-term complications, a reminder of the lasting impact of the virus on survivors.

Tragically, Comfort’s husband, who supported her so fervently during her illness, passed away from heart failure shortly after her recovery. His death was a profound loss for Comfort and her family. Nevertheless, she remains surrounded by the love and support of her children and grandchildren, who remind her daily of the joys of life.

Today, Comfort is back at Phebe Hospital as an operating room technician. She remains proud of the role she played in Liberia’s fight against Ebola, and her work continues to inspire those around her, and her legacy will forever be tied to the countless lives she helped save during one of the most challenging health crises her country has ever faced.