MISSION WORK
Our first VOOM Foundation Medical Mission took place in May 2011. Although this mission was primarily educational, VOOM sent a team of eight volunteers to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu. This mission paved the way for a networking relationship between the VOOM Foundation and Nigerian medical practitioners, laying the groundwork for the subsequent clinical missions.
Since then, VOOM medical mission teams have expanded across the globe, with team members from the United Kingdom and Canada, while the launch of VOOM/Sweden has helped to increase our presence and impact. During a mission, our medical volunteers expand patient reach by doing more than just heart surgery. In order to create an impact and align with our mission to serve indigent patients in need, VOOM volunteers engage in various activities during their two-week stay.
Since then, VOOM medical mission teams have expanded across the globe, with team members from the United Kingdom and Canada, while the launch of VOOM/Sweden has helped to increase our presence and impact. During a mission, our medical volunteers expand patient reach by doing more than just heart surgery. In order to create an impact and align with our mission to serve indigent patients in need, VOOM volunteers engage in various activities during their two-week stay.
Medical MissionsVOOM Foundation is currently at the forefront of performing open-heart procedures in Nigeria. While we take pride in this achievement, it's a statistic that shouldn't exist. Over fifty percent of the Nigerian population lives in poverty, and more than ninety percent lack essential healthcare. VOOM Foundation is dedicated to using our resources and expertise to improve the current state of healthcare in the country and to provide essential services to those in need. |
MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENTMedical supplies and equipment play a crucial role in VOOM Foundation's surgical and outreach efforts. With the support of our industry partners, VOOM is able to provide surgeries at no cost or at a subsidized cost. This is particularly important in Nigeria, where over half of the population lives in poverty and struggles with the high cost of healthcare. Through VOOM programs, donated medical supplies, equipment, and medication are provided at no cost, allowing VOOM to effectively reach our targeted patient population.
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EDUCATION & TRAININGThe Ann Bluejack Healthcare Advancement Education Program is making significant progress in how we deliver healthcare. Since 2011, VOOM Foundation has provided over 70,000 hours of in-country and online training opportunities. Online opportunities allow local teams to train with VOOM and eliminate the cost of attending in-person training sessions. Currently, we are partnering with over 50 institutions from all regions across Nigeria. |
HEALTH FAIRHEALTH FAIR - To expand our reach and serve the indigenous people of Nigeria during each mission, VOOM Foundation medical staff travels to the rural areas to conduct health fairs. Both adult and pediatric patients come to see the staff for well-checks. Those needing additional diagnostics are referred to our partner hosptial's for further examination.
Screening for diabetes and hypertension are conducted free of charge. Eye examinations are conducted and hundreds of pairs of glasses are handed out. VOOM Foundation brings and dispenses much needed medicines such as antibiotics, pain relievers, cold remedies, blood-pressure medicines, medicines for diabetes, malaria and parasites. Similarly, hundreds of toothbrushes are given to adults and children. Fun activities for children are always a huge hit at the health fair. |
PATIENT RELEASEVOOM Foundation medical volunteers visit indigent patients in the hospital wards that cannot afford to pay their hospital bill. In Nigeria, patients who are unable to pay are required to stay in a ward at the hospital until such debts are settled.
VOOM volunteers visit patients and evaluate their medical conditions to see if discharge is a feasible option for a positive outcome. If so, medical staff and VOOM Foundation pay off the patient’s balance so the patient can be released to their homes and heal in the care of their families. |