BBF supported a recent medical mission to Nigeria with a grant and a shipment of donated pharmaceuticals to assist with patient care. The trip, organized by the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation, provided critical healthcare services to multiple communities, including surgical interventions, cardiology care, and general medical services.

Over three weeks, the medical team worked across several hospitals in Lagos, Oraifite, and Nkpor. The first week focused on adult cardiology procedures. In the second week, the team performed both pediatric and adult open-heart surgeries and conducted dozens of cardiac catheterization procedures. Educational training was a major component of the mission, with over 12,000 hours spent training local medical personnel and hosting a virtual session on cardiovascular referrals prior to the mission.

The third week expanded services to include general care and vision procedures. Physicians provided free medical evaluations to more than 2,400 patients and performed 32 cataract surgeries. In total, the mission impacted hundreds of individuals and distributed nearly 4,000 pounds of donated medication to support treatment and follow-up care.

The Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation was established to raise the standard of care and create a sustainable medical program in Nigeria. Despite the country’s large population and strategic position in Africa, more than 95% of Nigerians live without access to essential medical services. Health facilities, equipment, and trained personnel remain scarce—especially in rural areas. In 2016, the World Health Organization ranked Nigeria 163 out of 190 countries in overall healthcare.

BBF’s support of this mission builds on past collaboration with VOOM Foundation and reinforces a shared goal: increasing access to quality care in communities where medical services are limited.