By Enyeribe Ejiogu
History will be made this month in Nigeria when the 100th open-heart surgery is performed at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital, Oraifite, Anambra State.
The momentous medical event will happen during the sixth Biennial Medical Mission and Community Health Fair programme that will be held between the 19th and 27th of September, under the aegis of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF).
The foundation made this known in a statement by the Executive Director of SEOF, Chidimma Okoye, who explained that in addition to the open-heart surgeries, interventional cardiology processes would be carried out during the medical mission and community health fair, in partnership with the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation.
The foundation revealed that medical professionals, community leaders, and other individuals are supporting the effort to advance heart health and provide life-saving treatments to people who need them.
Okoye further said that the partnership with VOOM has been pivotal in facilitating the open-heart surgeries, adding that the sixth session will mark a significant achievement in their journey towards attaining the 100th milestone having successfully performed 89 open-heart surgeries and four vascular surgical procedures accomplished from June 2022 to June 2024.
She noted that reaching the 100 open-heart surgery milestone is not just a number, but represents the impact the foundation has made in transforming lives and restoring hope.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our partners and donors, which has made this milestone possible. This event is a celebration of our collective efforts and a call to action to continue our crucial work,” she said.
The event will draw attention to the life-changing work of the foundation and encourage greater involvement in the cause.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with medical experts, learn about the advances in heart surgery, and contribute to the ongoing success of the mission.
The Executive Director of the VOOM Foundation, Shawn Andaya Pulliam, stated that their partnership with SEOF has been instrumental in delivering essential heart surgeries to those who need them most.
“We are excited to be part of this momentous occasion and look forward to celebrating the 100th surgery, which symbolises hope and healing for countless individuals. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the community,” Pulliam said.