Ebola free Nigeria; How we did it.

On the 23^rd of July 2014 Nigerians were high on panic and low on information. Ebola had come and we were all but prepared. That was not an excuse to do nothing. With the little we had we began to do the most we could as we waited to gather more genuine information in relation to the crisis. And though we joked, we did not only laugh as always, we acted. What can this teach us?

·Unity; Ebola was not eradicated by the government alone. We all played a part, irrespective of how minuscule. If all you did was buy hand sanitizers, or simply obey the rule to wash your hands before entering banking halls. If all you did was protect yourself, you did something, you helped. We put aside our prejudice's and sentiments, we worked as one. So if we all play our part, do what we ought to even if its only within our immediate surroundings. Being just in our dealings and diligent in our obligations. Make little changes that may make a great difference.

· Awareness; I do not know if there was ever a time information traveled farther or faster. Illiterate or literate, everyone knew in the language they understood best what Ebola was and the bad things it could do. Though rumors were used to season the meal rather often, we sought knowledge anyway. We did not wait to be taught, we went out looking for what we could learn. We knew we needed to know. We were not too proud to admit we knew nothing.

·Carefulness and diligence; Ebola took hygiene ratings from a two to an eight on a one to ten scale. Our hygiene was almost impeccable. Health care providers began to respect little safety rules they had long abandoned as either unfashionable or unnecessary. We were reminded that standards are set for a reason. So don’t just go shaking people just yet, or checking patients without gloves, yes, Ebola is gone, but these actions remain equally as unhealthy.

   We did the right thing. The government of Lagos state, the presidency of Nigeria, Nigerians. But we must not forget too soon what this experience has taught us. Congratulations to us as a nation on being declared Ebola free.We have not conquered all our demons, but we must celebrate our victories as they come.