Soon a film on Ebola outbreak to be opened in theatres

In 2014 and 2015 the West African region experienced the deadliest Ebola outbreak since the discovery of the disease in 1976. About 11,350 people died and thousands of survivors are still living with the painful memories. 93 Days, a docudrama, which premiered in Nigeria this week tells the story of the sacrifices made by many people, who risked their lives to save Nigeria and West Africa from the catastrophe.

In 2014 and 2015 the West African region experienced the deadliest Ebola outbreak since the discovery of the disease in 1976. About 11,350 people died from Ebola, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)  (January 2016 figures). The figure includes over 500 health workers who sacrificed their lives and died trying to save the sick.

Thousands of survivors are still living with the painful memories of the disease which devastated the region. 93 Days, a docudrama, which premiered in Nigeria this week tells the story of the sacrifices made by many people, who risked their lives to save Nigeria and West Africa from the catastrophe.

Directed by Steve Gukas, 93 Days chronicles the experiences of the courageous healthcare workers in a hospital in Lagos who battled to contain the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

The film portrays the remarkable bravery of the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (Bimbo Akintola) of the First Consultant Hospital and her colleagues who had an encounter with Patrick Sawyer, an American-Liberian, suffering from Ebola.  Sawyer was confirmed as Nigeria’s index case of the Ebola Virus, and was under observation at the hospital until his death.

The team of healthcare professionals at the hospital who attended to Sawyer  included Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri and Dr. Ada Igonoh. The film portrays how Adadevoh’s team, the Nigerian government, and the World Health Organization courageously fought to deal with a potential catastrophic scenario, with people putting their lives on the line to avert a disaster.

The film honours the heroes who helped stop the deadly Ebola outbreak and tells a compelling story of fearlessness, remarkable dedication, and sacrifice, and demonstrates how those who later died ensured that the virus is contained, stopping a great calamity.

The film is produced  by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Dotun Olakunri,  Steve Gukas and Pemon Rami, and it is one of the eight Nigerian films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (ending today, September 16). The movie is currently showing in the cinemas in Nigeria.