A Nigerian domestic airline, Arik Air, says it has forged an alliance with a non-profit organisation, Hospitals for Humanity, to support the provision of free open-heart surgeries for approximately 150 Nigerian children each year.
This was made known in a statement made available to The PUNCH over the weekend by the Public Relations Manager of the airline, Adebanji Ola.
According to the statement, Arik Air will offer critical flight support for Hospitals for Humanity’s medical missions to Nigeria, while the NGO would mobilise volunteer paediatric cardiac surgeons and healthcare professionals from around the world to perform the surgeries at no cost to the children.
The airline’s involvement was to ease logistic challenges, especially for children and families travelling from remote areas, as well as for the international medical teams participating in the programme’s free service.
Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Roy Ilegbodu, stated that the programme was in consonance with what the airline stands for.
He 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.
“We are honoured to stand alongside Hospitals for Humanity in their mission to give hope and a second chance at life to children with congenital heart defects.”
Founder and CEO of Hospitals for Humanity, Dr Segun Ajayi, expressed delight at the airline’s support, saying, “Over the years, Hospitals for Humanity has performed numerous successful surgeries and impacted countless lives. However, the demand remains high. With continued support from organisations like Arik Air, even more children can receive the critical care they need.”
He added that congenital heart disease is among the leading causes of children’s deaths globally, particularly in developing countries where access to specialised surgical care remains limited.
“This partnership aims to address this healthcare gap and offer new hope to affected families across Nigeria.”
