Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili (14 July 1954 – 7 June 2014) was a Nigerian pharmacist, government administrator, and public health advocate who transformed Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector through her courageous leadership as Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Her fight against fake and substandard drugs saved countless lives and earned her international recognition as one of Africa's most effective public servants.


NAFDAC TRANSFORMATION:
Appointed Director-General of NAFDAC in 2001, Akunyili inherited an agency struggling with corruption and a pharmaceutical market where fake drugs constituted approximately 80% of medications. Through systematic reforms, strict enforcement, and personal courage in the face of death threats, she reduced fake drugs in Nigeria to less than 20% within six years. Her approach included public awareness campaigns, stricter registration processes, and aggressive prosecution of counterfeiters.

COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER:
Akunyili's fight against fake drugs made her a target. She survived multiple assassination attempts, including a 2003 attack where she was shot at close range but miraculously survived. Despite these threats, she refused to be intimidated, continuing her crusade against counterfeit medicines that were killing thousands of Nigerians annually. Her courage inspired a generation of public servants.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION:
Akunyili's achievements earned her numerous international awards, including the Integrity Award from Transparency International (2003), the Person of the Year Award from ThisDay newspaper (2005), and recognition from the World Health Organization. She was also named one of the 18 Heroes of Our Time by Time magazine. Her work became a model for other African countries fighting counterfeit drugs.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT:
Under Akunyili's leadership, NAFDAC established mobile laboratories, increased inspection capabilities, and created public awareness about the dangers of fake drugs. Her "Say No to Fake Drugs" campaign became a national movement, empowering citizens to identify and report counterfeit medications. The reduction in fake drugs directly saved thousands of lives and improved healthcare outcomes across Nigeria.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:
Before joining NAFDAC, Akunyili was a distinguished academic, earning a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she later became a professor. She published extensively on pharmacology and pharmaceutical administration, contributing to academic knowledge while also serving in government.

MINISTERIAL SERVICE:
In 2008, Akunyili was appointed Minister of Information and Communications, where she launched the "Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation" rebranding campaign. She continued her commitment to transparency and public service, using her platform to promote positive narratives about Nigeria while acknowledging challenges that needed addressing.

LEGACY AND INSPIRATION:
Dr. Dora Akunyili's legacy extends beyond her specific achievements. She demonstrated that determined, honest leadership can transform even the most corrupt institutions. Her life story—from academic excellence to courageous public service—inspires countless Nigerians, particularly women, to pursue careers in public service and stand firm against corruption.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 14 July 1954 in Nanka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
- Died 7 June 2014 in India (cancer treatment).
- Education: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Pharmacy, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences).
- Key Achievement: Reduced fake drugs in Nigeria from 80% to less than 20% as NAFDAC DG.
- Awards: Transparency International Integrity Award (2003), Time magazine Hero of Our Time.
- Positions: Director-General of NAFDAC (2001-2008), Minister of Information (2008-2010).
- Notable: Survived multiple assassination attempts while fighting fake drugs.
- Impact: Saved thousands of lives through pharmaceutical sector reforms.