The President-General of Awka Union USA/Canada, Dr. Anthony Nwobum, has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector and subsidize treatment costs to improve access to affordable healthcare. He made this appeal during the 2026 Awka Union USA/Canada Medical Mission, which concluded today after providing free medical services to at least 3,000 needy patients in Awka community and its environs.
Free Medical Outreach Amidst Poverty
Dr. Nwobum explained that the annual medical outreach is a response to widespread poverty and limited healthcare access among citizens. He emphasized that the mission, funded by members of Awka Union USA/Canada, is part of the union's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to alleviate poverty through free healthcare services. These services include eye care, provision of eyeglasses, and treatment for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, stroke, malaria, and arthritis.
The union covered the costs of engaging approximately 60 health personnel to deliver these services. The medical mission is a joint initiative between Dr. Anthony Nwobum-led Awka Union (USA) and Onyebuchi Mbonu-led Awka Union Canada, running since 2017.
Fifth Edition of the Mission
This year's mission, the fifth edition, took place from May 11 to May 15, 2026, at various locations including Umuzocha Village Hall, Ndichie Hall Umudioka, Ezi Umuanaga Village Agulu Quarters, Umuokpu Village Hall, and Manari Osonwa Free Clinic, Obodoezi Obunagu Village Amikwo Quarter.
Stakeholders Speak on Impact
Onyebuchi Mbonu, President of Awka Union of USA/Canada, noted that the union's branches in the USA and Canada collaborated to sponsor the free healthcare services. He criticized the Nigerian government for failing in healthcare provision, stating, "If government had been doing its best, we would have no need to come here for this mammoth crowd."
Chief Kanayochukwu Obidigbo, a stakeholder, described the medical mission as expensive, wonderful, and impactful. He highlighted that the union has consistently brought healthcare and welfare to the people of Awka for nearly a decade. "The mammoth crowd here for the free health care services tells you there is a need to focus on healthcare and sustain this mission," he said.
Beneficiary Testimonials
Onuorah Okafor, a 78-year-old retiree and health beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the organizers for their continuous provision of humanitarian medicare and welfare services to the needy.
Comrade Chuks Nweke, Chairman of the Organising Committee, observed that the mission has led to increased life expectancy, poverty alleviation, and improved livelihoods among beneficiaries.
Call for Government Intervention
Dr. Gloria Adigwe, Chairperson of Awka Union USA/Canada, recalled that the medical mission began in 2017 to intervene for people who cannot afford to travel abroad for healthcare. She noted that abroad, governments have Social Determinants of Health programs, recognizing that poverty limits access to healthcare. "Instead of allowing our people to go abroad for health care, we believe it is better to save costs and bring medicare services down to our people here in Awka," she stated.
Dr. Titi Uyanwune, Lead Doctor of the mission, confirmed that 60 health personnel were recruited, including 12 doctors, 12 pharmacists, 4 optometrists, 2 radiographers, 14 nurses, and 20 support staff. She urged the government to step up interventions by establishing more health centers and improving healthcare delivery to reduce chronic health conditions.
