Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh (1956-2014) was a Nigerian physician whose courageous actions prevented a catastrophic Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. In July 2014, when a Liberian-American diplomat arrived in Lagos with Ebola, Dr. Adadevoh diagnosed the disease despite pressure to release the patient. She refused and insisted on isolation protocols, preventing the disease from spreading beyond the hospital. Tragically, Dr. Adadevoh contracted Ebola while treating the patient and died on August 19, 2014. Her actions saved countless lives and earned her posthumous recognition as a national hero. The Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust was established to honor her legacy and promote infection control. She exemplified medical professionalism and selfless service.


INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST:
Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh trained at the University of Lagos College of Medicine and specialised in endocrinology and infectious diseases. At First Consultants Medical Centre in Lagos she became the go-to physician for complex diagnoses, mentoring junior doctors and insisting on global best practices.

HEROIC RESPONSE TO EBOLA:
In July 2014 she recognised that Liberian-American diplomat Patrick Sawyer exhibited Ebola symptoms, despite diplomatic pressure to discharge him. Adadevoh enforced isolation, created makeshift barriers, and alerted Nigerian and international health authorities. Her decisive action prevented the virus from engulfing a megacity of over 20 million people.

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND LEGACY:
Adadevoh contracted Ebola while caring for patients and died on 19 August 2014. Nigeria declared her a national heroine, and global health leaders cited the Lagos containment as a model for epidemic response. The Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA) now trains hospitals on infection prevention, provides epidemiology fellowships, and leads public awareness campaigns.

INSPIRING FUTURE MEDICS:
Her story is taught in medical schools and leadership courses as a case study in courage, ethics, and public health readiness. Annual DRASA SafeCare awards celebrate healthcare workers who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, ensuring her example guides future generations.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 27 October 1956 in Lagos; died 19 August 2014 in Lagos.
- Education: University of Lagos College of Medicine (MBBS, 1981); trained at Hammersmith Hospital, London.
- Honours: Posthumous national awards from Nigeria, ECOWAS, and global health organisations.
- Legacy institution: DRASA Health Trust promotes infection control and outbreak preparedness across West Africa.