Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has launched a five-day medical mission in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, aimed at providing free healthcare services across Aba and Umuahia.
Speaking at the flag-off, Otti commended ANPA for returning to the state for its 2026 outreach, describing the group as a reliable development partner. He noted that beyond offering medical care, the team would also provide training and mentorship to local healthcare professionals.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, stressing that policies are focused on enhancing the well-being of residents. He called for deeper and more structured collaboration with ANPA, directing the Ministry of Health to begin discussions on a long-term partnership.
Otti said the state intends to integrate ANPA’s expertise into its healthcare system, including through a planned digital health services platform that will support remote consultations and advisory services. He added that improving health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants, remains a top priority.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, described the mission as part of broader healthcare reforms driven by strategic global partnerships. He revealed that the outreach aims to deliver at least 1,500 consultations and over 100 free surgeries.
President of ANPA, Cliff Eke, said the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Nigeria through diaspora engagement. He noted that the mission also focuses on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and long-term system improvements.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Medical Mission Committee, Uloaku Ukaegbu, highlighted the impact of previous outreaches, stating that over 15,000 residents benefited from similar missions last year, with more than 300 surgeries conducted.
The programme also includes a youth-focused health initiative and aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare access and quality across the state.
