Residents of Amikwo, Awka and neighbouring communities turned out in large numbers at the Manari Osonwa Primary Health Centre in Obunagu Village, Awka, as the Awka Union USA-Canada Medical Mission commenced another round of free healthcare services for residents of the area.
The outreach programme, held in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, attracted elderly residents, women, youths and children who received various forms of medical attention from volunteer healthcare professionals.
Speaking during the exercise, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the medical mission and Secretary of the Manari Osonwa Primary Health Centre, Mr. Felix Chukwunenye Onwuegbune, described the initiative as a major intervention that has continued to ease the healthcare challenges faced by many families in the community.
According to him, the programme caters to both indigenes and non-indigenes living in Awka and surrounding areas, particularly at a time when many residents are struggling with the rising cost of medical care.
He commended the Awka Union USA-Canada for sustaining the outreach over the years, noting that members of the association have remained committed to supporting their homeland through regular healthcare interventions.
Mr. Onwuegbune disclosed that the 2026 edition marks the fifth medical mission organised by the group, following previous editions held every two years.
He described the initiative as an example of community-driven development powered by diaspora support and private contributions aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents.
The outreach was hosted at the Manari Osonwa Primary Health Centre, a facility established by Chief Onuora Godwin Osonwa as a personal contribution to healthcare development in Obunagu Village and the wider Amikwo community.
According to Mr. Onwuegbune, the facility was later handed over to the Anambra State Government in 2025 during a ceremony represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Despite the government takeover, he said community members and the founder continue to provide support for the smooth operation and growth of the health centre.
He noted that the facility currently offers essential healthcare services including antenatal care, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing and delivery services for pregnant women.
According to records from the centre, more than 10 successful childbirths have been recorded since the government assumed management of the facility.
Mr. Onwuegbune also revealed that the first woman to deliver at the centre, who came from Ebonyi State, received financial and material support valued at about N1.6 million from the project facilitator and associates following a safe delivery.
He explained that the assistance included food supplies, baby products, household items and direct financial support to the family.
He added that nursing mothers who deliver at the facility continue to receive various forms of assistance, including free baby items and cash support.
Beyond healthcare, he disclosed that the community also established a free Information and Communication Technology training centre aimed at equipping young people with digital skills.
According to him, graduates of the programme are often provided with laptop computers to support their learning and career development in technology.
Mr. Onwuegbune further stated that although the state government now oversees the hospital, Chief Osonwa still sponsors monthly medical outreach services through visiting doctors who provide free consultations and treatment to residents.
He described the continued intervention as a lasting tribute to the late mother of the philanthropist, after whom the health centre was named.
For many residents who participated in the outreach, the medical mission represented not only access to healthcare, but also a demonstration of compassion, community support and collective responsibility.