Dora Akunyili, born Dorothy Nkem Edemobi on July 14, 1954, in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, was a renowned pharmacist and public health advocate.

She is best known for her work as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from 2001 to 2008.

During her tenure, she led a vigorous campaign against counterfeit drugs, significantly reducing the prevalence of fake medications in Nigeria.

Her efforts earned her numerous national and international awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Akunyili's dedication to public health was deeply personal; in 1988, she tragically lost her sister to complications from fake insulin.

This event fueled her resolve to combat the counterfeit drug trade, leading to the closure of many open-air medicine markets across Nigeria.

Beyond her work with NAFDAC, she also served as Nigeria's Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010, where she continued to advocate for transparency and integrity in governance.

Dora Akunyili passed away on June 7, 2014, in India while undergoing treatment for cancer. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she saved and the lasting impact of her work on public health in Nigeria and beyond.

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