Ebola in the US: Opportunity for Nigeria

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday announced the first domestic case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the United States.

The yet-to-be identified patient arrived the US from Liberia on 20 September but didn’t show any symptoms until four or five days later. The patient however sought for treatment on 26 September, but was initially misdiagnosed and was sent home with antibiotics.

While it is comforting that the government of United States appear to be on top of the issue, I believe that this situation opens a window of opportunity for Nigeria.

There is quite a similarity in both situations as both Nigeria and the US initially had one index case. While Nigerian doctors successfully diagnosed the index patient, doctors in US were a bit inexperienced and misdiagnosed their index patient.

This should be of grave concern as he may have unknowingly infected others and someone or people in contact with this individual could come down with Ebola in a few weeks time.

I believe that Nigeria can be of help to the US by sharing its experience and strategies with a sister country. Nigeria is the only country that has been able to beat back the outbreak of Ebola with quick and coordinated action.

The Nigerian government should offer a form of knowledge transfer aid to the US for doctors especially, those who worked in the containment of Ebola.

This would go a long way in boosting the image of Nigeria, increasing the value of our healthcare system and increasing the psych of Nigerian doctors.

Tolulope Laniran can be via Email: [email protected] or on Twitter: @mal_lt