In death, Adadevoh still honours Nigerian heroes

In her death, Stella Adadevoh, the doctor who sacrificed her life to protect Nigeria from the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), still celebrates Nigerian heroes.

This was visibly seen at the ‘Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA)’ health trust inaugural event, which brought together health professionals, government representatives, businessmen and women, high-profile individuals, and more to celebrate one year of Nigeria’s Ebola-free status and the heroes and heroines that made it possible.

The event, which came in form of a fundraising/launch at the Civic Centre, Lagos, saw DRASA unveil a public health awareness campaign called #ItStartsWithMe, with plans and collaborations for 2 projects.

Those who attended the programme were Nigeria’s vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of health, Linus Awute; Lagos state governor, represented by his special adviser on primary healthcare, Olufemi Onanuga; and Lagos state commissioner for health, Jide Idris.

Kaline Akinkugbe and Darey Art Alade provided musical entertainment for the evening, while Aderonke Adebanjo of SmoothFM and Oluwaseun Olaniyan from NigeriaInfoFM were the MCs.

DRASA revealed that all donations from the evening will be used to implement Adadevoh’s vision to support Nigeria’s healthcare system.

This would be done through simulation training in ethics and infectious diseases and outbreak preparedness/response, both of which are urgent needs in the health sector.

Adadevoh is credited to have made the outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria different from those in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone where thousands have died.

DRASA is a nonprofit working with partners and collaborators to improve and advance healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and ethics, both of which Adadevoh gave her life for.

Niniola Soleye is the managing director of its health trust, while Bankole Cardoso (pictured) is the chairman of its board.