Ebola claims top Sierra Leona doctor

Another victim to the deadly virus

Dr. Victor Willoughby, aged 67, was an important scientist in the Sierra Leone health sector, who led the battle against Ebola in recent years.

 

Last Saturday, he was diagnosed with Ebola, and on Thursday, the head of the country’s medical team, announced his death.

 

The country had received ZMAb, the experimental drug which gave hopes for his recovery, however, the 67 year-old lost his battle with Ebola before the dose could be administered to him.

 

“He was a mentor to all of us and his death is a huge loss for the medical profession. He was always there to help the younger people”, said the head of the country’s health services. Willoughby is the 11th doctor who died because of the virus.

 

Overall, among the ranks of medical workers in the three affected areas of West Africa, the virus has taken the lives of 350 people, while the total number of victims is about to surpass 700, according to latest estimates.