Intended for healthcare professionals

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Obituaries

Ameyo Adadevoh

BMJ 2014; 349 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g7558 (Published 16 December 2014) Cite this as: BMJ 2014;349:g7558

Rapid Response:

Re: Ameyo Adadevoh

This is a most useful article that emphasizes the essentials in effective management of epidemics of the magnitude we have seen in the Ebola crises. Having followed the story of how Nigeria intervened to contain the epidemic, I have noted, in particular the following that the article also seeks to highlight: Medical professionalism as demonstrated by Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh and her team including Dr. Ada Igonoh; early and rapid response of government with direct involvement of the Minister of Health; effective tracing and monitoring of contacts; effective health education to engage the public in a manner that does not generate panic; availability of resources for management of patients. The saying is always true that "a stitch in time, saves nine". The Nigerian government and the health care team must be commended for the prompt response to the crises. Likely, this saved millions of lives in Nigeria and in other neighboring countries and perhaps in the rest of the world. And Nigeria would not have been this successful in containing the Ebola epidemic without quality leadership demonstrated at all levels.

Other critical point in the article that must not escape attention is the emphasis of Dr. Ada Igonoh on early and continuous rehydration in her management as an Ebola patient. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is key in saving lives in this epidemic. That fact must be stressed. It is a basic public health measure, simple but most effective in management of diarrhea diseases such as in Ebola and cholera.

Reading the original article of Dr. Ignoh, I am impressed by her professional act in isolating herself at home in the prodromal phase of her illness. By this action, she has shown how we as health care professionals should act rationally and selflessly to protect others when we are victims of a contagious disease.

Competing interests: No competing interests

18 February 2015
Andrews Seth Ayettey
Medical Doctor and Professor of Anatomy
University of Ghana Medical School, Accra
Department of Anatomy, P.O. Box 4236, Accra, Ghana, West Africa