GEANCO Foundation has stayed committed to organizing annual free surgery missions, with the aim of bringing quality healthcare to those who need it the most in Nigeria. This year, however, marked a groundbreaking shift; our first-ever mission exclusively utilizing local expertise and expanding our reach to multiple locations. The results were nothing short of extraordinary.
In previous years, our surgery missions, while impactful, had been centralized, involving international surgeons and conducted in a single location. This year, we stepped away from our norm, embracing a local-first approach that was as inspiring as it was formidable. For the first time in our mission’s history, surgeries were performed by seasoned local surgeons, many of whom were alumni of our free laparoscopy training program. These skilled professionals embodied the success of our training initiatives, and also reaffirmed our belief in building local capacity to sustain quality healthcare.
Another first for our organization this year was holding surgeries in multiple locations, including Nezer ASC, a dedicated and state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center. This expansion allowed us to reach more people, minimize travel burdens for patients, and bring healthcare closer to their doorsteps. The result? A record-breaking 73 surgeries completed within 10 days, spanning procedures like herniorrhaphy, hydrocelectomy, thyroidectomy, excision biopsy, vaginal hysterectomy, myomectomy, and cystectomy, among others.
The underserved in Nigeria, often face insurmountable barriers to accessing healthcare especially when they are plagued with illnesses that can be corrected through surgery. Many of them walked into the surgery center carrying not just their medical conditions and lab results, but also years of despair, fear, and financial strain. For them, a surgery that could restore health and dignity remained an unattainable luxury. But, as always, our surgery mission dismantled those barriers as they received expert care from skilled surgeons in a highly conducive environment at no cost.
Their tears of joy and words of gratitude painted a vivid picture of how deeply our intervention touched lives. Families who had spent years seeking help finally found solace, while benefitting from the awe-inspiring power of compassion and expertise. Our very first patient will remain etched in our minds; a young, passionate and vibrant young woman burdened with 70 fibroid tumors. After a successful myomectomy, she walked away not just with physical relief but with a profound sense of gratitude and a new lease on life.
This year’s mission was not just about surgeries; it was about progress; progress for the patients, GEANCO Foundation, and the healthcare system in Nigeria. For the underserved women, children and men that we serve, it was a reminder that they are not forgotten. For us, it was a testament to the power of local capacity building and collaboration.
By using seasoned local surgeons, we demonstrated the efficacy of investing in local talent. By operating in multiple locations, we showcased our ability to scale and adapt. And, by continuing to provide free surgeries, we reaffirm our commitment to making quality healthcare available for the underserved in Nigeria.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The journey doesn’t end here. As we look ahead, we are energized by the success of this year’s mission. We will continue to refine our approach, expand our reach, and invest in building a healthcare system that leaves no one behind. Together, with our supporters, partners, the communities we serve, and you, we are rewriting the narrative of healthcare in Nigeria—one surgery at a time.
| S/N | Description | Figure |
| 1 | Number of procedures | 73 |
| 2 | Number of patients | 66 |
| 3 | Paediatric cases | 8 |
| 4 | Adult cases | 58 |
| 5 | Hernia/ Hydrocele repair | 38 |
| 6 | Ovary/ Gynaeecology cases | 8 |
| 7 | Lipoma cases | 14 |
| 8 | Thyroid cases | 13 |