An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic Story through the Lens of the Ihekweazu’s

The book, ‘An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic and the Coming of Age of a Nigerian Institution’ is a gripping memoir that recounts the pandemic’s impact on Nigeria through the eyes of the former Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Director-General, and Assistant Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, and his wife Vivianne. Sunday Ehigiator writes that the book launch was graced by several notable dignitaries

‘An Imperfect Storm’ is a riveting memoir that delves into the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic through the personal lenses of Dr Ihekweazu and his wife Vivianne.

This gripping narrative masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, public health insights, and leadership lessons, creating a thrilling ride that captivates readers from start to finish.

The book which was recently launched at the Alliance Francaise, in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State, chronicles their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique blend of personal story and public health thriller.

With 27 chapters divided into four parts, the book takes readers on a journey from the author’s childhood to his leadership role at NCDC, highlighting his devotion, passion, and strategic planning.

Through the pages of ‘An Imperfect Storm’, readers witness the transformation of the NCDC from a fledgling institution to a robust public health agency, capable of responding to the pandemic’s challenges. Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership philosophy, strategic planning, and collaborative approach are on full display, providing valuable lessons for leaders and professionals in various fields.

The memoir also dispels pandemic-related conspiracies, addresses the interface of politics and policy, and highlights the consonance between clinicians and academics. Dr. Ihekweazu’s personal story, intertwined with the pandemic’s narrative, creates a compelling tale of love, fear, faith, service, and patriotism.

Supports

The book enjoyed a great level of support and recommendations from a diverse array of esteemed individuals from various fields, including Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; the Director-General, of World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Others include the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Akin Abayomi; and President and Founder of Anap Foundation & Chairman of the Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, Atedo Peterside; Director of UNAIDS, China Office, Dr Erasmus Morah; US Global AIDS Coordinator, Dr John Nkengasong; among other distinguished guests.

This gathering of luminaries was a testament to the significance of the occasion, as they all came together to share insights on the critical issues highlighted by the couple in the book, and therefore recommended the book to everyone.

Osinbajo: An Important Piece of History

In his recommendation, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Osinbajo described the book as an important piece of Nigeria’s history.

According to him, “The word epidemic is a common one in our lexicon, but most people have never experienced one. All that changed in December 2019 when rumours of a ‘pneumonia-like illness’ began to circulate from Wuhan, China.

“While many around the world may not have ignored it, an infectious disease epidemiologist on a Christmas break in Amaigbo, South-eastern Nigeria recognised a potential warning sign.

“Before that day, a journey of detours, discovery and destiny began for Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, a path that led him to become the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“The work to build the NCDC into an institution of repute was complex and challenging. Each step, initiative, staff hire, and resource allocation contributed to Nigeria’s ability to respond to an unprecedented global event, a pandemic not witnessed at this scale in over a hundred years.

“COVID-19 was not just any outbreak, but a seismic shift in world affairs and history, leaving a lasting effect on lives, the economy, health, information dissemination, politics, and ideological systems.

“This book explores a phenomenon never before witnessed on a grand scale and in small details. It is a book about the love of humanity, the power of family, of hope, resilience, and collaboration. It is Chikwe and Vivianne Ihekweazu’s account, but also an important piece of history.

“This book serves as a reminder of the highs, lows, and unwavering spirit that enabled our country’s response to an unprecedented global crisis.”

Ghebreyesus: A True Testament of Collaborative Efforts, Leadership

In his address, WHO’s Director-General, Ghebreyesus, described the book as a true testament to collaborative efforts, leadership, and the unwavering spirit that influenced an entire nation facing a global crisis

“This book provides a compelling narrative of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, as told through Chikwe’s unique lens as DG of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

“I commend this book for its exploration of Nigeria’s resilient response—a true testament to collaborative efforts, leadership, and the unwavering spirit that influenced an entire nation facing a global crisis.

“I recommend this book to leaders across the world aspiring to strengthen their country’s health security, as it provides valuable insights to navigate health challenges.”

Okonjo-Iweala: A Fascinating Journey

In her recommendations, WTO’s Director-General, Okonjo-Iweala described the book as a fascinating journey through multiple facets of Nigeria’s national and global public health landscape.

According to her, “An Imperfect Storm is a riveting account of the battle against COVID-19 by one of Nigeria’s frontline heroes in that battle, Chikwe Ihekweazu and his wife and partner Vivianne.

“But the book is much more than that. It is also a fascinating journey through multiple facets of the national and global public health landscape. Told through a personal and biographical lens that weaves in the couple’s love story, it is a read that once started is difficult to put down.

“I strongly recommend it to all those seeking to learn more about infectious disease control and management whilst enjoying a compelling narrative.”

Prof Abayomi: Synergy, Vigilance, Key to Mitigating Biological Shocks

In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Abayomi, emphasised the importance of synergy among all stakeholders, vigilance, and documenting lessons from experiences with biological shocks, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is important that we document these kinds of activities and learn from our experiences. Of all the shocks, the biological shock is one you can preemptively create a strategy to mitigate its impact and luckily for us in Lagos, we had experienced the outbreak of Ebola at that time.

“It is important that as a sub-region and country, we can know what biological shock is and how we mitigate the effect as government and civil societies.

“We documented a bit of what happened in Lagos but I haven’t dared to go back to look at it because I don’t want to trigger my PTSD. 

“At the end of the day, I want to congratulate you, I am sure you put a lot of work into it. When you quit your position in Germany, I knew you were going to recover and put your thoughts in pen and paper.

“This is an important document that we must all read, lest we go into a stage of laxity.”

Peterside: Apt Title for a Heroic Effort

On his side, the President and Founder of Anap Foundation & Chairman of the Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, Atedo Peterside, who also delivered the keynote address at the event, said the book title was apt for the heroic efforts of a few patriotic people during the Covid-19 pandemic era in Nigeria.

According to him, “An Imperfect Storm is such an apt title for the heroic efforts of a few patriots like Chikwe Ihekweazu who had to guide Nigeria through what many feared would be a monumental COVID-19 crisis.

“The book is also about public health. In terms of public health, you cannot do it alone. If you are carrying out surgery as a Medical Doctor you can do it alone because you are in charge. But when it comes to dealing with over 200 million people, who live in different directions and locations, you cannot do it alone.

“Why am I saying this, there are many people in this country, especially among the elites, who have the status to pick up the phone to call the Chief of Staff, President, NCDC boss, or Lagos State Health Commissioner, but will never use that status for a national advantage or national benefit, but rather use it to get a contract for themselves.

“Public health is not something that citizens can remove themselves from and expect very good results.”

The Author’s Experiences, Inspiration

During a panel session hosted by Arise TV Presenter Ayo Mairo-Ese at the book launch event, Dr. Ihekweazu shared his inspiration for writing the book, saying:

“This book isn’t about me or my team; it’s about the dedicated Nigerians I worked with. The professor who diagnosed Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case is here today, and his story is in the book. It’s about the unsung heroes working tirelessly for our country every day. Their stories need to be told.”

Dr. Ihekweazu reflected on his career journey, from working at international organizations outside Nigeria to returning to Nigeria and joining NCDC. He described the challenges he faced, including finding that staff members lacked job descriptions.

“I didn’t criticize, but we had to start from scratch. I asked the staff what they did, and many didn’t know. It was like we recruited our best talent into public service and then abandoned them. I felt we had failed them, not the other way around. My goal was to help them find their purpose.”

Dr Ihekweazu emphasised that public sector colleagues are like everyone else, wanting to thrive and make a difference. He highlighted the unique energy and potential of Nigerians, saying, “Once we activated and believed in our team, they started achieving. It’s not about being special; it’s about unlocking the potential that’s already there.”

Also sharing her experience, his wife and Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu noted, “My husband, Chikwe, would often come home late at night, sharing stories and experiences from his work.

“I started writing them down, documenting his journey in a small notebook. It wasn’t a formal approach, but rather a cathartic exercise, journaling what was happening as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic.

“We knew we had to tell our story, or someone else would. We thought, ‘We need to put this into some kind of narrative.’ And so, we began to document our experiences, hoping to share them with others one day.

“When Chikwe was appointed Director-General of NCDC, it was a surprise. We were living in South Africa at the time, and I was working. He received the news over a series of phone calls, and we had to move to Abuja quickly. It was a whirlwind experience, but we were determined to make it work.

“As we settled into our new life in Abuja, I continued working on health communications, while also building our lives and supporting Chikwe in his new role.

“Nigeria Health Watch, an organization Chikwe co-founded, was another passion project that I became involved in. Using my background in communications and health, I helped shape the organisation’s message and advocacy efforts.

“When Chikwe moved to NCDC, it accelerated my role in Nigeria Health Watch. Today, we have a staff of over 40 and continue to work with partners, advocating for policies to improve the health sector.

“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. But I know that there’s still much work to be done, and I’m committed to continuing our advocacy efforts to create a better health system for all Nigerians.”

Quote 

My husband, Chikwe, would often come home late at night, sharing stories and experiences from his work. I started writing them down, documenting his journey in a small notebook. It wasn’t a formal approach, but rather a cathartic exercise, journaling what was happening as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic. We knew we had to tell our story, or someone else would. We thought, ‘We need to put this into some kind of narrative.’ And so, we began to document our experiences, hoping to share them with others one day