UKPE-AROGBO REGIONAL HEALTH
OVERVIEW: We have constructed a clinic building to serve the community of Ukpe-Arogbo, Ondo State, Nigeria and the surrounding villages. We are now working to acquire additional clinical, technological, and operational supplies, which will allow the clinic to support the community.
THE NEED: Ukpe-Arogbo is
in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria and is only accessible by boat; there are no
roads in this waterlogged area. Currently the nearest clinic/hospital is in
Okitipupa or Ore; and for most residents the cost of transport there is
prohibitive and slow (4-5 hours if by speedboat, or – more likely – 12-15 hours
by canoe). Local residents often postpone or neglect care and many people
die each year because they cannot reach a medical facility quickly enough.
THE PLAN: We are pooling our financial, medical, and business resources to create a clinic that will be maintained by local village people. The clinic building was recently constructed (see pictures); it is about 2,000 square feet and has 6 rooms and 2 bathrooms. The next steps include acquiring access to clean water and finding reliable energy sources. We intend to provide supplies and training as well as continued educational outreach and financial support. Additionally, several doctors from different specialties from the US (including fields of surgery, ophthalmology, internal medicine, midwifery and orthopedics) have committed to volunteering their time to provide services in the area.
We consider this to be a lifelong mission that will be upheld with the support of clinical and business contributors, to whom we are very grateful. Our families are committed to this goal and we look forward to the difficult but rewarding work ahead of us. Please contact us if you can help!