Free Heart Surgery for Children: How Arik Air and Hospitals for Humanity Are Changing Lives
Arik Air
Arik Air has partnered with the non-profit organization Hospitals for Humanity to provide free open-heart surgeries for over 150 Nigerian children every year. This initiative is aimed at helping children with congenital heart defects, especially those who cannot afford the high cost of surgery.
How the Programme Works
Hospitals for Humanity will mobilize expert pediatric heart surgeons and medical volunteers from around the world to perform the surgeries in Nigeria at no cost to the families. Arik Air will provide free flight support for both the medical teams and the children in need, especially those coming from remote or hard-to-reach areas.
This collaboration will help reduce the financial and logistic burden on families, making it easier for them to access life-saving care for their children.
Arik Air’s Commitment to Community Health
Speaking about the partnership, Arik Air CEO Roy Ilegbodu said,
“This initiative aligns with Arik Air’s dedication to not only connecting people through air travel but also investing in the wellbeing of our communities.”
He emphasized the airline’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and giving children a second chance at life.
How to Benefit from the Programme
If your child has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and you cannot afford the cost of surgery, you can reach out to Hospitals for Humanity for assistance. Interested families should contact the organization directly via their website or social media platforms to begin the screening and registration process.
Medical missions are conducted periodically, and successful applicants will be scheduled based on urgency and availability. All surgeries are performed by licensed specialists, and post-surgery care is also provided.
“No child should die simply because their family cannot afford surgery. Through this partnership, we are turning impossibilities into hope for Nigerian children.”
— Dr. Segun Ajayi, Founder and CEO, Hospitals for Humanity
Why This Matters
Congenital heart disease is a leading cause of child deaths, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Many children suffer or die due to lack of access to proper care. This initiative offers a lifeline to affected families and shows the power of public-private partnerships in solving healthcare challenges.
This partnership between Arik Air and Hospitals for Humanity is a beacon of hope for many Nigerian families. It offers free, life-saving surgeries and removes barriers to critical healthcare services for vulnerable children. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help save their children’s lives.
