The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among citizens, civil society, and the private sector to safeguard Nigeria’s health security, warning that prevention and preparedness must become national priorities.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said no government can address public health challenges in isolation, stressing that collective responsibility and early action are key to building a safer, healthier Nigeria.
He spoke in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of DRASA Health Trust, an organization founded in memory of the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose heroism in 2014 stopped the spread of Ebola in Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila commended DRASA’s decade-long work in infection prevention, outbreak response, and health education, describing it as vital to national stability.
“Government can only do so much. True progress requires citizens, communities, and institutions pulling together. We must act before problems arise, not after damage is done,” he said.
He hailed Dr. Adadevoh’s courage as an enduring lesson in leadership and sacrifice, noting, “Imagine what might have happened if she hadn’t put others before herself. Her bravery saved millions and should inspire us all to think beyond personal interests”.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, echoed the call for preventive action, urging Nigerians to honour Dr. Adadevoh’s legacy by strengthening the nation’s defences against disease.
Represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, Pate described DRASA as a model of resilience that has transformed personal tragedy into a national force for health security.
“Every naira invested in infection control, hygiene, and antimicrobial resistance saves countless lives and strengthens the health system,” he said.
Pate noted that DRASA has trained over 15,700 health workers, mobilised nearly 100,000 community Health Champions, and supported over two dozen national and sub-national health policies.
DRASA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Niniola Williams, said the organisation’s journey began out of tragedy but built on purpose.
Recalling her late aunt’s final act of courage, she said, “Her decision cost her life but saved millions. Ten years on, DRASA has grown from a memorial initiative into a national institution shaping how Nigeria prevents disease.”
She revealed plans to establish the DRASA Academy, a centre to train 50,000 health workers and set up Centres of Excellence in all six geopolitical zones.
The organisation also plans to integrate antimicrobial resistance education into schools and expand youth leadership in health governance.
DRASA also launched an Endowment Fund and premiered a documentary highlighting its milestones in infection prevention and rapid response, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williams cautioned that underfunding prevention efforts could leave the country vulnerable, stressing, “A Nigeria without DRASA’s support is a Nigeria more exposed to disease, panic, and avoidable economic loss”.
