Dr. Otu Oviemo Ovadje is a distinguished Nigerian medical doctor and retired Brigadier General renowned for inventing the Emergency Auto-Transfusion System (EAT-SET), an affordable and effective blood auto-transfusion device that has significantly impacted medical practices, especially in developing countries.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Ovadje hails from Nigeria and pursued his medical education at the University of Benin, graduating in 1992.
Career and Invention
In 1989, while serving in the Nigerian Army, Dr. Ovadje observed the high mortality rates due to internal hemorrhage from conditions like ruptured ectopic pregnancies. Recognizing the challenges in sourcing safe blood for transfusions, he developed the EAT-SET device, which allows for the collection and reinfusion of a patient’s own blood during emergencies. This innovation is particularly beneficial in settings where blood supply is limited or screening is inadequate.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Ovadje’s groundbreaking work has earned him several prestigious awards:
- OAU-WIPO Best African Scientist Gold Medal (1995): Awarded by the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Organization of African Unity for his scientific contributions.
- Promex Silver Medal (1998): Received in Geneva for his medical innovation.
- WHO Sasakawa Health Prize (2000): First African recipient of this award, recognizing his efforts in health development.
- ARCO Gold Medal (2001): Presented in the UK for his outstanding achievements.
Legacy
Dr. Ovadje’s EAT-SET device has been patented in multiple countries and continues to save lives, particularly in resource-limited settings. His dedication to medical innovation exemplifies the profound impact of addressing local healthcare challenges with sustainable solutions.
