ANPA Partners With HICF to Offer Relief to Victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica

By Uche Amunike

Just after one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever experienced, hit Jamaica, leaving residents with life-altering traumatic impacts, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), has extended a hand of humanitarianism by organizing a medical and non-medical mission, to offer relief to the country.

Speaking, during the mission, President of the Association of Nigerian physicians in the Americas, Dr. Cliff Eke, explained that their mission was to support Jamaica at this critical time by providing them with medical supplies, funds and all they need to make their lives better, as much as they could.

He visited the country with a team of volunteers with all the relief materials they were able to pull together to donate to the affected residents, with the aim of partnering with the Heart Institute of the Carribean Foundation (HICF), founded by Dr Ernest Madu.

His words: ‘We are very honored to come here to Kingston, Jamaica, to support our brothers and sisters, courtesy of Dr. Ernest Madu, who is the Founder and Chairman of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation and his beautiful wife, Dr. Dainia Baur, who is the CEO and Board Chairman of the foundation.’

He expressed his joy at the number of HICF volunteers he met on ground when he arrived with his team, stating that he was glad to have come  with his own team to lend a hand in every way possible.

He averred that he had to come with his team after they got information about the impact of the Hurricane Melissa, with a determination to offer, not just medical services to the affected residents, but also, non-medical services.

He emphasized that regardless of the short time frame, he and his team were able to raise funds from kind individuals and were able to purchase most of the relief materials they came with.

His words: ‘We have some supplies here like surgical gowns, gloves, vitamins, sutures, orthopedic stuff, hand sanitizers, different medications for diabetes, anti-fungal, antibiotics, high blood pressure, respiratory stuff as well as a nebulizer machine and a lot of other things which we hope you can find useful in the great work you’re doing.’

He further stated: ‘We came here and we have done what we can, but I know the work continues and we’re hoping this will be the beginning of a better relationship between the ANPA and your organization.’

In response, Dr Dainia Baur thanked Dr Eke and his team for their kind humanitarian gesture, stating that she was particularly pleased that they reached out without being called upon.

Her words: ‘On behalf of a grateful nation, we are so pleased that you reached out even though we didn’t call you. This is when you know that people have good intentions. You were one of the first people we heard from in the aftermath of the hurricane, just reaching out to say: ‘I’m in Belize. How are things going? Is everything okay?’ Everything was not okay at the time. Things are still not okay. But we’re bouncing back and we tell people that Jamaicans are resilient people.’

She continued: ‘You would have seen that even though there were light poles and trees toppled as you were driving along the highway and roofs, off. Yet, people are trying all they can to get back to the hustle and back to the grind and this is what we do, but we never want to overlook the fact that there is significant trauma and that there are significant needs. So, when people look behind the surface and see the needs and not just the front, we really appreciate it. Everybody that you all saw today was deeply appreciative, not just because you came bearing gifts that will contribute to our efforts to save lives but really because you took the time to sit, to listen and to try to heal. And so, once again, we are so immensely grateful and we just would love to welcome you back anytime.’

Dr Eke appreciated the four doctors who travelled to Jamaica with him for the mission, in spite of the short notice: Dr. Osita Onyekwere, Oranu Ibekie, Yvonne Okoh, as well as Barakah Abdulkareem. He also lauded everyone that contributed money and supplies towards the mission.

Just before their departure, Drs Ernest and Dainia stated in appreciation: ‘Through your deeds, you have touched hundreds and perhaps thousands of lives at their lowest points. The hurricane Melissa impact on Jamaica has been devastating and lives were irrevocably altered. At times like this, a population depends on the kindness and generosity of others to restore hope and recapture their resilience. You brought that hope to Jamaica at the time of its greatest need, thanks to the remarkable leadership of our most able, generous, energetic and indefatigable, Dr Cliff, who has  continued the cherished tradition of visionary ANPA leaders that ensures that ANPA will continue to grow from strength to strength. We look forward to continuing the progress towards a Caribbean ANPA chapter.’

‘As you depart today, we wish and pray for a safe and uneventful flight back home and continued success in your professional and personal journeys. May God continue to lead and bless each and everyone of you. Thank you so much for ALL you have done for Jamaica and for your support and partnership with the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation.’