The Global Health Charity and Training Foundation (GHCTF), in collaboration with Steps2Walk and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), has commenced a weeklong medical outreach and specialist training programme aimed at improving orthopaedic healthcare delivery and building local medical capacity in Lagos,Nigeria.

The initiative brings together volunteer orthopaedic surgeons from the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Nigeria to perform complex foot and ankle surgeries while providing hands-on training for consultants and resident doctors.

Speaking during the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the initiative as a significant collaboration among government agencies, charitable organisations, and philanthropists aimed at addressing orthopaedic challenges facing Nigerians.

“We have a medical team from the diaspora ,from England and America on a mission to address the orthopaedic issues of citizens in Lagos and across Nigeria. The University of Ibadan Class of 1991 has come with its expertise to complement the knowledge already available in Nigeria, and they have also brought equipment worth thousands of dollars,” she said.

Dr. Coker noted that some of the visiting medical experts are non-Nigerians who have chosen to invest their time and expertise in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“We cannot take this for granted. It is a demonstration of collaboration among government, charity organisations, and philanthropists. We need to embrace this and make the most of it while they are here. Many lives will be touched, and surgeries that may never have been carried out before will be performed during this period,” she added.

She further explained that the programme would benefit both patients and healthcare professionals through knowledge transfer and hands-on training.

“About 50 medical doctors will be learning from experts from around the world. Patients will benefit, doctors will benefit, and there will be a transfer of skills between the people from the diaspora and our colleagues in Nigeria. This is a major intervention in our health system and we must not take it for granted,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr. Adebayo Akintobi of the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation said the initiative was being implemented in partnership with Steps2Walk, an international humanitarian organisation led by Dr. Mark Myerson, known for specialised ankle and foot surgeries.

According to him, the programme is taking place at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, and involves international orthopaedic specialists including Dr. Jean-Louis Benae, Professor of Orthopaedics at Emory University, Atlanta, Dr. Ashok from the United Kingdom, Dr. Pedri from Turkey, and Dr. Elias.

“These orthopaedic surgeons will be conducting complex ankle and foot surgeries over the next week. About 50 cases have been lined up, and all the physicians are volunteering their time, talent, and energy to make this happen,” he said.

Dr. Akintobi explained that the programme is being conducted under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr. Wale Lawal, alongside Dr. Nwachukwu, Chairman of Clinical Services, and a team of consultants including Dr. Oshin Sonaiya, Dr. Nwachukwu Babalola, Dr. Ezeagba, and Dr. Atiba.

He added that about 50 resident doctors would receive hands-on training while opportunities for continued collaboration through telehealth consultations would also be explored.

“Beyond treating patients, the most important aspect is building capacity. Resident doctors will gain first-hand experience from internationally recognised specialists, enabling them to improve the services they provide in the future,” he said.

Dr. Akintobi noted that the initiative marks the beginning of a long-term partnership expected to extend to the five other national orthopaedic hospitals in Nigeria over the next decade.

He revealed that four operating theatres would run simultaneously during the programme, while lecture sessions for resident doctors, students, and community physicians would be held by internationally renowned orthopaedic specialists.
The physician also commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health, led by Prof. Akin Abayomi, for supporting the initiative.

He disclosed that free community health outreach programmes would be held at the General Hospital, Somolu, where residents would receive screening for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol.

According to him, over 150 volunteers from within and outside Nigeria are participating in the outreach, while efforts are underway to enroll between 500 and 1,000 residents into the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.

Dr. Akintobi also acknowledged the contributions of Guiding Light Assembly Church, led by Pastor Ade Faraseh, and the Tremblant Foundation, which is providing food support and assistance to participants.

He further announced that Prof. Alex Olawaiye, an international gynaecologist and oncologist, would conduct a full-day training session for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of General Hospital, Somolu, in collaboration with Dr. Hassan Akpan, Head of the department.

In addition, he highlighted a partnership with Marine Platforms Limited, which has committed support for 10 complex cardiothoracic surgeries in Lagos and Oyo States as part of its 25th-anniversary activities.
The surgeries will be led by Dr. Austin Olubamibo of Grace Springs Hospital and Dr. Tayo Martin of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, with support from international specialists including Dr. Alan Pickens.

Also speaking during the event , Dr. Jide Olajide, a member of the University of Ibadan Class of 1991 and the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation, said the programme was designed to strengthen the skills of orthopaedic surgeons while improving patient care.

“What is happening here in Igbobi is essential to improving the skill set of orthopaedic surgeons and it will also be beneficial to patients. There is another outreach taking place at the General Hospital in Somolu focused on primary healthcare. Overall, this initiative is aimed at improving the level of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.

“My final word is that participants should take advantage of this unique opportunity to improve their health to the next level,” he said.

The outreach forms part of a broader effort by the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation to connect Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora with local healthcare institutions, promote knowledge exchange, and expand access to quality healthcare services across the country