A team of over forty medical professionals from the United States has commenced a week-long free medical outreach programme across five communities in Delta State, Nigeria.
The initiative, which began on June 7 at Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area, is spearheaded by the NIFER Touch Life Foundation, in collaboration with the Delta State Government, Sunshine Care Initiative (USA), and YOU MATTER Charity Foundation.
Led by renowned U.S.-based Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Sandea Harris-Greene, the outreach targets underserved and indigent patients with various medical conditions, particularly those requiring surgical intervention such as goitre, fibroid, hernia, lipoma, and knee replacement surgeries.
The medical team rendered services in Osubi on June 9, Orerokpe on June 10, and Eku and Kokori to take turns on June 11 and 12, with the final stop scheduled for Obiaruku on June 13, 2025.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, held in Osubi, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by Hon. Perkins Umukoro, lauded the initiative as a critical boost to the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, especially in the area of healthcare delivery.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojame, represented by Dr. Yinkore Paul of the State Primary Health Development Agency, praised the effort as a groundbreaking collaboration.
He described the visiting team as “intimidating, daring and a beauty to behold,” and expressed hope that their impact would significantly advance the state’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage under the Sustainable Development Goals.
Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Chief Isaiah Esiovwa, commended the outreach, calling it a major enhancement to his administration’s primary healthcare agenda.
He also expressed interest in having the U.S. team return for future medical missions.
Hon. Mine Jennifer Aragbata-Etuk, the Convener and Founder of NIFER Touch Life Foundation and also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, expressed deep appreciation to the state government and supporting partners.
She affirmed that the outreach reflects her foundation’s commitment to the health and dignity of Deltans.
“This programme is not just about treating illnesses. It is about restoring dignity, offering hope, and showing our people that their lives matter,” she stated.
The outreach underscores the importance of partnerships between local stakeholders and international collaborators in delivering impactful healthcare to rural and underserved populations.
