More than 3,000 residents in Anambra State have received free medical care through a large-scale humanitarian outreach organized by Lifted Hands, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization.
Founded by Mr. Moses Okaro, an indigene of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area, Lifted Hands has spent over 15 years delivering critical healthcare services to underserved communities across southeastern Nigeria.
The 2025 edition of the outreach, tagged “Ogidi Medical Mission,” was held at Ogidi Town Hall and extended to surrounding communities, including Abatete, Eziowelle, and Umunachi.
Beneficiaries received a wide range of services, including general medical consultations, dental and eye examinations, diabetes and hypertension screenings, mental health assessments, and the distribution of medications, eyeglasses, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
In a conversation with journalists, Mr. Okaro shared the personal tragedy that inspired the initiative.
“Our mother passed away from diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. That experience opened our eyes to how many people in our community can’t afford basic healthcare,” he said. “My siblings and I started Lifted Hands to change that reality.”
Despite intermittent rainfall, the mission recorded remarkable attendance, treating more than 2,000 people within the first few days. Okaro said the outreach aimed to serve between 3,000 to 5,000 individuals this year, and highlighted the urgency of some cases identified during consultations.
“So far, we’ve referred 15 to 20 patients for urgent hospital care, including orthopedic emergencies,” he stated. “We’re working with hospitals to ensure they receive appropriate treatment—and we’re covering the costs.”
The outreach garnered strong support from community leaders, including the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Pharm. Alexander Oyido, a pharmacist and pharmaceutical entrepreneur.
“The Igwe visited us at midnight to observe our work firsthand,” Okaro recounted. “By morning, he had sent in large quantities of medications through his company. He’s been our greatest local ally.”
In his remarks, Igwe Oyido offered blessings for Okaro and his siblings, describing the outreach as “remarkable” and transformative.
“They have touched the lives of the poor and vulnerable in our community,” he said. “If every town had someone like Moses Okaro, Igboland would be like heaven.”
Professor Patience Obiagwu, Head of the Medical Team and a consultant pediatrician at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University, Kano, led the team of healthcare professionals. Originally from Ichida in Anambra State, Prof. Obiagwu described the medical conditions encountered as deeply troubling.
“Many patients came unaware they had dangerously high blood pressure. One man arrived nearly unconscious with a BP reading of 220/120,” she said. “We’re seeing a public health crisis marked by widespread hypertension and diabetes.”
She stressed the importance of combining treatment with health education.
“Many residents rely on self-medication or herbal remedies, which often worsen their conditions. We emphasize lifestyle changes, regular checkups, and the dangers of indiscriminate use of painkillers.”
Mrs. Adepoju Onipede, head pharmacist for the mission, added that the team successfully filled 90% of all prescriptions.
“Several people discovered conditions they didn’t even know they had. Immediate access to care is making a real difference,” she said.
In addition to medical services, Lifted Hands is also supporting schoolchildren with back-to-school supplies. The organization also distributed over 1,000 school bags and 7,000 exercise books, as part of a larger shipment of 15,000 educational materials.
“The country is going through tough times,” said Okaro. “But if just one or two people in every town stepped up to help, Nigeria would be a different place. You don’t need to be wealthy, just willing.”
Community members expressed profound gratitude. Beneficiaries like Chika Eze and Samuel Umeh said the outreach brought more than just medicine, it brought hope.
“They gave us food, clothes, shoes, and most importantly, they cared,” Eze said. “May God bless them abundantly.”
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, who attended the event, praised the consistency and quiet dedication of the Lifted Hands team.
“This is not a one-off publicity stunt. Moses Okaro has been doing this for years, following up with patients, never asking for recognition or political favors. This is true service,” she said, urging other NGOs and philanthropists to adopt Lifted Hands’ model of sustainable, community-centered outreach.