LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Lifted Hands Foundation has announced plans to extend its 2026 free healthcare mission to all five South-East states in Nigeria, increasing access to medical care for underserved communities.
The President and Founder of the US-based humanitarian medical team, Mr Moses Okaro, revealed on Monday that its free outreach will offer consultations, surgeries, mental health services, and medical support.
Lifted Hands, which previously operated in Anambra, Imo and Abia states, will now include Enugu and Ebonyi in the next phase of its outreach programme.
In a statement issued in Awka, the 2026 exercise, scheduled for July, will mark the sixth edition of the medical mission since it began in 2020.
Okaro explained that the initiative was established by the family of late Chief Nelson Okaro in honour of their mother, Mrs Akueze Okaro, with the aim of providing free healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
The 2026 outreach will also partner with Iyom Ogidi to revive the Ogidi General Hospital, a move expected to strengthen healthcare delivery within the community.
Patients will receive general medical consultations, dental treatment, mental health support, eye surgeries, diagnosis, and treatment services, including selected surgical procedures for those in need.
In addition to healthcare, the programme will also provide humanitarian assistance such as scholarships, school bags, writing materials, clothing, and footwear for children and families.
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The founder further revealed that medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, walking sticks, blood pressure monitors, glucometers, test strips would be distributed to beneficiaries during the exercise.
He noted that the mission first started in Ogidi, Anambra State, where it attracted patients from nearby states, leading to its gradual expansion across the South-East.
“In 2024, we expanded to Imo and later added Abia. With the inclusion of Enugu and Ebonyi, the mission will now cover the entire South-East region,” he said.
Meanwhile, the outreach has continued to attract volunteer medical experts from different specialties, including foreign healthcare professionals.
Okaro disclosed that more than 50 volunteers participated in the 2025 edition, while over 80 volunteers have already registered for the 2026 mission.
According to him, the organization has also shipped containers loaded with medications and relief supplies for distribution during the outreach programme.
He added that many volunteers contribute financially to support the initiative while also offering free medical services to communities in need.
Okaro called on Nigerians to support the mission through volunteering and other contributions aimed at improving healthcare access for vulnerable residents across the region.
(NAN)
