The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) has commended United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) for its critical support of the 7th Biannual Medical Mission which recently held at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, Anambra State.
Over the course of a month-long initiative, a team of specialist surgeons partnered with the US-based VOOM Foundation to perform 78 complex heart surgeries—including 12 pediatric and 27 open-heart procedures—offering life-saving care to patients who previously had limited access to such services.
Central to the mission’s success was UNA’s seamless coordination of the transport of medical personnel and critical equipment to Nigeria. According to SEOF Executive Director, Chidimma Okoye, the airline’s reliable and punctual flight operations ensured the medical team arrived on schedule, preventing costly delays in treatment.
“In missions like these, timing isn’t just important — it’s a matter of life and death. UNA’s partnership was indispensable,” Okoye stated.
Beyond transportation, UNA demonstrated its social responsibility through a substantial financial contribution. During a courtesy visit to the hospital, UNA’s Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, alongside football icon Kanu Nwankwo, presented a N5 million donation to support the ongoing mission and discussed potential collaboration with the Kanu Heart Foundation.
“Our support goes beyond connecting destinations; it’s about connecting lives to hope and healing,” said Prof. Okonkwo.
The success of this mission—highlighted by 39 adult heart surgeries alongside pediatric cases—stands as a testament to what public-private partnerships can achieve in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
“With UNA, we found more than a transport provider; we found a partner committed to saving lives,” Okoye added.
