Ameyo Adadevoh

Ameyo Adadevoh (1956–2014) was a Nigerian physician credited with having curbed a wider spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria in 2014. She is nationally recognized as a hero for preventing the Nigerian index case from leaving the hospital at the time of diagnosis, thereby playing a key role in curbing the spread of the virus in Nigeria.

Early life and education

Adadevoh was born on October 27, 1956, in Lagos, Nigeria. She was related to Herbert Macaulay, one of the founders of modern Nigeria. She completed her primary and secondary education in Nigeria before traveling to the United Kingdom for further studies. She studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she specialized in Endocrinology.

Career

Adadevoh worked most of her career as a Senior Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at the First Consultants Medical Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. She was known for her thoroughness and commitment to patient care, and she was highly respected by her colleagues and patients alike.

Role in curbing Ebola

In July 2014, Adadevoh diagnosed and quarantined Patrick Sawyer, the first patient with Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. Despite pressures to release Sawyer, she insisted he remained in quarantine. Her actions resulted in the relatively quick containment of the Ebola virus in Nigeria.

Death and legacy

Adadevoh contracted the Ebola virus from Sawyer and died on August 19, 2014. Her death sparked national and international recognition of her work in preventing a major Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. The Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust was established in her memory to continue her work in disease prevention and health promotion.

See also

• Ebola virus disease in Nigeria
• Healthcare in Nigeria