•  Nigeria Eulogise Late Doctor's Viruses 

 

THE quiet ambience characteristic of FIrst Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, which treated the index Ebola case, Patrick Sawyer, an American- Liberian who arrived Nigeria on July 25, was still evident when The Guardian visited yesterday. 

 

There was, however, evidence of nostalgic feeling at the hospital, which lost two of  its own,a consultant physician and endocrinologist, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, and a nurse, Justina Ejelonu. Adadevoh died on August 19, 2014 after contracting the disease in an attemptto keep Sawyer confined to the hospital. 

 

According to a resident in the area, who pleaded anonymity, things are no longer the same again with the hospital which played a central role in saving Nigeria from the Ebola epidemic. 

 

At the centre of that role was Adadevoh, an endocrinologist at the hospital, who against threats of legal action by the Liberian Ambassador, restrained 

Sawyer from leaving the hospital. 

 

Because of Adadevoh's singular heroic and selfless deed, many Nigerians were saved from what would have been a catastrophic epidemic. 

 

Although, the disease later infected 21 persons and claimed nine lives before Nigeria was declared Ebola-free on October 20, 2014, it could have been worse. 

 

But when The Guardian visited the hospital to find out what it has been for it one year after it was in the news, its Chief Medical Director, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, could not speak on the -incident, but asked that a formal letter be written for consideration. 

 

Also, the hospital's administrator who confirmed the procedure of formal request said many media organisations had sought to talk with the hospital but was so directed. 

 

But when the first memorial anniversary of Adadevoh came up on August 19, it was an outpour of emotion, love and prayers for the herome, who died in the course of preventing a deadly epidemic. 

 

Some of the messages read: 

 

"Once upon a time, Nigerians awaited this Ebola-free countdown. We are grateful to Dr. Stella Adadevoh. 

 

"Dr. Stella Adadevoh did a deed so selfless and kind. I'm forever grateful to her for saving Nigeria from a mass Ebola outbreak RIP, heroine. 

 

"Brave Doctor Adadevoh loses Ebola battle. 

 

 

'How Ameyo Adadevoh saved the country from Ebola Epidemic. 

 

"You will never be forgotten. A true hero, I celebrate you. 

 

"Rest in peace brave woman, you and all who list their lives during this fight are heroes." 

 

Also, to immortalise her and address the gaps in nation's health sector, her son, Bankole Cardoso and family have launched the Dr.Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust 

 

The Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) is focused on strengthening the healthcare system and making Nigeria better prepared for future public health threats. 

 

The Trustis governed bya seven-member Board of Trustees and a four-member international Board of Advisers and will focus on four important health areas: 

Education and Training, Policy, Research Disease Control. 

 

Further to commemorate her first memorial anniversary, a movie, titled 93 Days, which centred on the truelife story of men and women who risked their lives and made sacrifices to save us all from the consequences of the outbreak of the highly dreaded Ebola Virus has been shot.

 

By Bertram Nwannekanma 

The Guardian