Foundation soon to hit 100th open-heart surgery in Nigeria

The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) says it will soon make history by conducting its 100th open-heart surgery since inception of its medical mission and community health fair programme.

The Executive Director of SEOF,  Chidimma Okoye, made this known in a statement on Friday.

Okoye said the landmark achievement would be celebrated at the foundation’s Sixth Bi-annual Medical Mission and Community Health Fair.

She said the event, scheduled for Sept. 19 to Oct. 12,  would feature series of open-heart surgeries and interventional cardiology procedures.

Hypertension: Rise in drug prices and implications for heart diseases surge

Okoye said the surgeries, this year, would focus on operating on pediatrics for free and adults at a subsidised rate.

She said that SEOF would conduct the surgeries  in collaboration with the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation.

“These critical services will be provided at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital at Oraifite, Anambra State.

“Our partnership with VOOM has been crucial in making these surgeries possible.

“Achieving 100 open-heart surgeries is more than just a numerical goal; it represents the transformative impact we have had on countless lives and the hope we have restored.

“From June 2022 to June 2024, we have completed 89 successful open heart surgeries and four vascular surgical procedures, and this upcoming event will be a pivotal moment in our mission,” she said.

She said that those to attend the fair  would have the chance to engage with medical experts, learn about advancements in heart surgery, and contribute to the success of the mission

“We are incredibly grateful for the steadfast support from our partners and donors.

“This milestone is a celebration of our collective efforts and a call to action to continue our vital work,” she said.

She quoted Mrs Shawn Andaya-Pulliam, Executive Director of VOOM Foundation, as saying that the partnership had been instrumental in delivering essential heart surgeries.

“The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation and the VOOM Foundation urge the public to support  our ongoing efforts to improve heart health and provide life-saving treatment to people.

“The achievement symbolises hope and healing for many individuals,” Okoye quoted Andaya-Pulliam as saying.