The 21st annual Mezu International Foundation (MIF) free medical mission activities in Imo State, Nigeria was conducted from July 24th, 2024 through July 31, 2024. We always received more joy than we came to give.
1300+ men, women, and children were cared for by over 70 medical and non-medical professionals. All received free medical exams, eye exams with prescription and sunglasses, glaucoma and cataract screening, free medications and health education, opioid training, scoliosis screening; and young medical and optometry professionals received skills training.
Medical Impact:
- Over 1300 educated about preventive health
- 1100 patients screened for hypertension
- 800 patients treated for dry eye symptoms
- 508 patients treated for anemia
- 445 patients treated for malaria and typhoid
- 430 patients treated for hypertension
- 400 patients screened for diabetes
- 300 screened for glaucoma
- 220 patients treated for diabetes
- 315 prescription glasses and sunglasses dispensed
- 200 patients treated for pneumonia, upper respiratory illness, and asthma
- 105 kids dewormed
- 80 health care professionals received Opioid abuse training
The Global Health students from University of Rochester – Neil Dogra and Kamsi Oparaugo, SUNY College of Optometry – Prakriti Setlur, and high school students OlaRose Ndubuisi (Pittsford Mendon High School) and Ikechi Mezu-Alabi (Takoma Academy High School – MD), worked hard all year on their research proposals. Kamsi received a $5000 Schwartz Discover grant from Univ. of Rochester to fund her travel to Nigeria. All their research will provide sustainable solutions to improve outcomes in the community. Young MIF interns, BiancaRose Nnabue (Notre Dame Preparatory School – MD), Okechukwu Nathan Mezu (North Ridgeville High School – OH), and Adaora Mezu (North Ridgeville Academic Center – OH) worked hard, assisting with the research, patient care, and at the pharmacy.
Clinical staff and students from the local institutions, Abia State University and Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, assisted in providing medical and eye care, collecting research data, and enjoyed learning new skills – an ongoing collaboration with MIF for the past 10 years.
All patients during the medical mission were fed a hearty and delicious meal of jollof rice and fried fish joyfully cooked by Our Lady’s Food Kitchen members initiative of MIF. After the medical mission activities, we held the annual MIF party for the Ancilla Kids Orphanage, and they joyful spirit and dancing won our hearts.
Special thanks to our humanitarian partners in care and sponsors: Alcon, VSP, CMMB, Brother’s Brother Foundation.
Sincere thanks to our amazing volunteers and servant-leaders for your sacrifice.
Mission Impact
Total Estimated Value of Services Provided:
- Total in USD: Approximately $143,565.
- Total in Naira: Approximately N215,637,500.
Impact Summary
- Number of Patients Served: Over 1,300 individuals received these essential services.
- Community Benefit: Beyond the monetary value, these services have significantly improved health outcomes, empowered patients through education, and enhanced the skills of local healthcare professionals.
