The death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of award-winning novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at Euracare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, has prompted allegations of medical negligence from his family. The hospital has denied these claims, asserting that care was provided according to established protocols and international medical standards. The Lagos State Ministry of Health has announced a "thorough, independent, and transparent" investigation into the incident.
Incident and Allegations
Nkanu Nnamdi died on a Wednesday after a short illness. He was one of twin boys born in 2024 to Ms. Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
Ms. Adichie's sister-in-law, Dr. Anthea Nwandu, stated in an interview with Arise TV that there were multiple alleged failures at Euracare Hospital. These allegations include:
- Denial of oxygen to the child.
- Administration of excessive sedation, which the family alleges caused a heart attack.
- Improper transportation of the child.
- A brain injury reportedly suffered by Nkanu due to lack of oxygen.
Similar accusations concerning Nkanu's care were present in a private message from Ms. Adichie that was circulated online. Her spokeswoman confirmed the message's details, highlighting the family's view of "clinical failures" and their call for truth and accountability.
Hospital's Response
Euracare Hospital expressed its "deepest sympathies" for the loss but denied providing improper care. The hospital stated that Nkanu had arrived "critically ill" after receiving treatment from two other pediatric centers. Upon his arrival, staff reportedly provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation, and collaborated with external medical teams. Despite these efforts, the boy died less than 24 hours after being admitted. The hospital confirmed a "detailed investigation" is underway and pledged to engage transparently with all clinical and regulatory processes.
Official Investigation
The Lagos State Ministry of Health announced a "thorough, independent, and transparent" investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nkanu's death. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, spokeswoman for the Ministry, stated that the state health watchdog prioritizes human life and has "zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct." She assured that any individual or institution found culpable would face legal consequences and urged the public to avoid speculation during the ongoing investigation.
Context: Nigeria's Healthcare System
This incident occurs amidst broader discussions regarding Nigeria's healthcare system. Allegations of medical negligence and systemic failures have become a topic of public discussion following several recent cases, including the death of Aisha Umar in Kano, where her family alleged surgical scissors were left inside her abdomen.
Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, president of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, stated that issues within the healthcare sector are "systemic" and extend beyond individual blame, pointing to wider problems such as a lack of doctors and equipment. Two surveys from the previous year indicated that approximately 43% of Nigerians had experienced or witnessed a medical error or near-miss.
Nigeria faces a significant "brain drain" as health professionals emigrate for better conditions abroad. Dr. Bala Audu, president of the Nigerian Medical Association, estimates the doctor-patient ratio to be 1:8,000, substantially lower than the recommended 1:600. The federal government allocates about 5% of its budget to health, falling short of the African Union's 2001 target of 15% for improving medical services. These recent events have intensified calls for reforms within Nigeria's health sector.
Background on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 48, is an award-winning US-based writer. She is widely recognized for works such as "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah."