Earlier this year, an OBI team of volunteer medical professionals held a five-day medical mission in north-central Nigeria, treating more than 8,000 people.

Some villagers traveled for more the 60 miles to see a doctor. During the event, the OBI team gave out 1,609 reading glasses and performed 24 eye surgeries.

"I tried to treat my ulcer with native drugs because I did not have money to come to the hospital," said Ruth Yohanna. "But today, because of you, I have received free treatment and medicine."

KAFANCHAN, Nigeria - Ruth Yohanna walked more than four miles to reach Kafanchan General Hospital in time for a medical mission that changed her life.

The 65-year-old grandmother believed the journey, even at her age, was worth the effort.

A peasant farmer living in the village of Angwan Maigizo, Ruth had resorted to using native herbs to help alleviate the pain caused by an ulcer. She couldn't afford proper medication or a hospital visit.

As her condition worsened, Ruth grew desperate. Then she heard about a free medical mission that Operation Blessing was hosting at a nearby hospital and knew it was her way out of pain.

"I tried to treat my ulcer with native drugs because I did not have money to come to the hospital," she said. "But today, because of you, I have received free treatment and medicine.

"God has truly used you to provide for our needs," she added.

Ruth wasn't alone in her recovery. In total, an OBI team of 53 medical professionals including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and laboratory technicians helped treat more than 8,600 patients during the five-day mission in March.

Some villagers traveled for more than 60 miles to see a doctor. Awu Haruna, a 35-year-old housewife and mother of four, was treated for a severe case of typhoid fever. According to Awu, the help came just in time.

"My fever was especially severe in the evenings," she said. "I couldn't do anything. I thank God the doctors treated me. I am already feeling better."

In addition to treating patients and distributing medicine, the OBI team gave out 1,609 reading glasses and performed 24 eye surgeries.

Hosea Baba, a 62-year-old retired railway worker, received a pair of glasses.

"My eyes used to pain me because I had to strain them to read," he said. "Being on a meager pension and having nine children, I couldn't afford glasses and was in despair."

In addition to ongoing medical missions, OBI continues to provide free medicine to those who are sick and impoverished. Since January of 2007, more than 25 million dollars worth of medicine has been distributed both domestically and around the world to reach those in need.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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