A United States-based medical mission group, Lifted Hands, says it plans to expand its 2026 free healthcare outreach to all states in Nigeria’s South-East region. 

The team, which previously operated in Anambra, Imo and Abia, will now include Enugu and Ebonyi in the programme.

Moses Okaro, the group’s president and founder, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka.

Mr Okaro said the 2026 mission, scheduled for July, would be the sixth edition of the outreach since its inception in 2020.

He explained that the initiative, founded by the family of late Chief Nelson Okaro in honour of their mother, Mrs Akueze Okaro, was aimed at providing free medical services to underserved communities.

According to him, the outreach will offer general medical consultations, dental care, mental health services, eye surgeries, as well as diagnosis, treatment and selected surgical procedures.

He added that the programme would also include educational and humanitarian support, such as scholarships and the distribution of school bags, writing materials, clothing, and footwear.

Mr Okaro said medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, walking sticks, blood pressure monitors, glucometers and test strips, would also be distributed to beneficiaries.

He noted that the outreach initially began in Ogidi, Anambra, where it attracted participants from neighbouring states, prompting its gradual expansion.

“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.

Mr Okaro said the outreach had continued to attract volunteer medical professionals from diverse fields, including foreign nationals.

He added that more than 50 volunteers participated in the 2025 mission, while over 80 had already registered for the 2026 edition.

According to him, the team has shipped containers of medication and relief materials for distribution during the outreach.

He said many of the volunteers not only render free services but also make financial contributions to support the initiative.

Mr Okaro urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the mission by volunteering and assisting in providing healthcare to vulnerable populations.

He added that the 2026 edition would collaborate with Iyom Ogidi to revitalise the Ogidi General Hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the community. 

(NAN)