THE STORY OF JUSTINA OJELUNO: THE NURSE WHO DIED FIGHTING EBOLA

In the annals of nursing history in Nigeria, there are stories of individuals whose unwavering dedication and selflessness shine like beacons in the darkest of times. The tale of Justina Ojelonu, the nurse who tragically lost her life fighting the Ebola virus, is one such remarkable story of heroism and sacrifice.

The year was 2014 when the deadly Ebola virus made its terrifying presence known in Nigeria. Ebola, a highly contagious and deadly disease, had already wreaked havoc in West Africa, claiming thousands of lives. Justina Ojelonu, a young, compassionate nurse, pregnant at the time, was working at First Consultants Medical Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, when the virus struck. This was where Sawyer, an Ebola-positive Liberian diplomat, had visited when he arrived in Nigeria in July 2014, he was patient Zero. As Ebola patients began pouring into the medical center, fear and panic gripped the nation. But for Justina, fear took a back seat to her unwavering commitment to her patients and her duty as a nurse. She knew the risks, but she couldn’t stand by and watch her fellow Nigerians suffer. So, Justina’s boss, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh and her, who were on duty the day Sawyer arrived the hospital, reportedly stopped Patient Zero from leaving the hospital. According to reports, this was her first day at work in First Consultant Medical Center.

Justina’s journey into the heart of the Ebola outbreak was fraught with danger. She cared for patients who were not only critically ill but highly contagious. Her dedication was nothing short of heroic. In the face of overwhelming odds, she provided comfort, care, and compassion to those who needed it most. Despite the stringent safety measures and protective gear, Justina contracted the Ebola virus. Three weeks later, she had a miscarriage and lost her child. This was the beginning of the end, her diagnosis sent shockwaves through the nursing community and the nation. She was immediately isolated and given the best medical care possible, but her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Justina’s battle with Ebola was fierce and short-lived. She and everyone who hasn’t been duly recognised took an oath of service, pledged to Nigeria their country, to be faithful, loyal and honest even when their lives were on the line. Tragically, she succumbed to the virus on August 19, 2014. Her passing left a void that could never be filled, but her legacy as a hero lived on. Justina Ojelonu’s story is a testament to the incredible bravery and selflessness displayed by nurses in the face of unimaginable challenges. She put the well-being of others above her own safety, and her sacrifice served as a stark reminder of the toll this deadly virus could exact. Justina’s sacrifice did not go unnoticed. Her bravery inspired a nation, and her name lives on as a symbol of hope, courage, and dedication. She serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are individuals who shine brightly, showing us the true meaning of heroism.

Justina Ojelonu’s story is a somber yet inspiring reminder of the sacrifices made by nurses on the frontlines of deadly outbreaks. Her selflessness and dedication to her patients, even in the face of mortal danger, will forever be etched in the history of healthcare. Justina Ojelonu was not just a nurse; she was a hero who gave her life in the battle against Ebola, a true symbol of humanity’s resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.