In the midst of the devastating Ebola outbreak that swept across West Africa in 2014, a Nigerian physician named Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh emerged as a pillar of courage and selflessness. When the first case of Ebola arrived in Nigeria, Dr. Adadevoh’s quick thinking and dedication to public health prevented a catastrophic outbreak in the most populous country in Africa.
Dr. Adadevoh correctly diagnosed the index patient, Patrick Sawyer, as Nigeria’s first case of Ebola in July 2014. Despite pressure from Liberian officials who wanted Sawyer discharged to attend a conference, Dr. Adadevoh refused to release him, stating “for the greater public good” she would not allow him to leave. Her actions were crucial in containing the virus and preventing the Nigerian index case from spreading it further.
Tragically, Dr. Adadevoh contracted Ebola while caring for Sawyer and died on August 19, 2014. However, her selfless actions saved countless lives. By isolating the index patient and alerting authorities, Dr. Adadevoh set off what became Nigeria’s successful Ebola containment strategy. As a result, Nigeria was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization just 3 months after the first case.
Dr. Adadevoh’s heroism serves as an inspiration to put the greater good above personal interests, even in the face of grave risk. Her legacy lives on through the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, an organization working to improve public health in Nigeria. Dr. Adadevoh’s courage and dedication in the darkest of times reminds us of the power of one person to make a difference and save lives.