Breathe Easy: AirUp Leads Oxygen Access Revolution in South-East, Nigeria.
In rural Nigeria, access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge. Project AirUp, in partnership with HealthPortAfrica, is bridging this gap by providing medical oxygen supplies, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and empowering local youth.
Following our success in the South-West, we expanded our efforts to the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Our goal remained the same–improving healthcare solutions and delivery in underserved communities. Witnessing the joy and gratitude on the faces of our villagers in Ezzagu, Ndundu, and Igbelle Ogrute Villages, our team’s excitement was palpable. In the South-West, we had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of AirUp. Now we were eager to replicate this success in new communities.
Overcoming Challenges
Language and Logistics. As we prepared ourselves for our South-East trips, we grew concerned about language barriers and cultural differences, as well as logistical challenges in transporting equipment and supplies to rural areas.
Volunteers. Knowing how to manage the execution of medical outreaches across multiple villages was a hassle. In some states, the situation was especially difficult. Volunteers were often secured only one or two days before the scheduled outreach.
Hospital Visits. A major obstacle that came our way was making an outlined plan on the hospitals that we were going to visit. But, being an indigene in the South-East made things easier. In Anambra, however, we felt the absence of a chaperone and proper identification of the villages made it challenging to locate certain areas. Precious- PMI Curator, South east.
Despite these challenges, we successfully overcame them by collaborating with local volunteers and chaperones who understood the culture and language. Through careful planning, coordination, and contingency measures, we addressed logistical hurdles and ensured effective communication and teamwork among our project team members.
Our Achievements
Team Achievements
- Conducted Medical outreaches in three villages, providing vital medical solutions and oxygen supplies to over 500 individuals.
- Successfully surveyed 30 hospitals to strengthen healthcare access.
- Youth Empowerment: Trained 45 youths, equipping them to drive positive change.
- Built strong relationships with local healthcare providers, communities and Volunteers.
- Establishment of prospective networks in two states Abakaliki in Ebonyi State and Nsukka in Ebonyi State, further solidifying our impact- Miss Tife, PMI’s Project Manager.
Personal Achievements
- Witnessing the impact of our project on rural communities and knowing that our efforts will save lives!- Miss Tife, PMI’s Project Manager
- Learning about and seeing, first-hand, the level of development in different hospitals across the state was eye-opening for me. I enjoyed the trip even with the cultural differences within the Igbo system and I’m happy to have supported the team- Miss Precious- PMI Curator in the south East
Transforming Lives
AirUp made a profound impact in three villages, providing:
- Supply of medical oxygen and health check-ups to 500 individuals
- Strengthened healthcare infrastructure, Medical oxygen and facilities
- Empowered 45 youth on healthcare education
Notable Moments
Witnessing the joy and gratitude on the faces of villagers as they received medical attention is always the highlight of our outreaches. We started with Ezzagu village in Abakaliki to Ndundu Village in Uturu, Abia state and finally we went to Igbelle Ogrute village in Nsukka, Enugu State and we were welcomed warmly by both old and young, everyone was so happy to have us.
- Seeing our team of dedicated volunteers and chaperones work tirelessly to ensure the project's success.
- The moment we realized that language barriers wouldn't be an issue, thanks to our amazing local volunteers who facilitated seamless communication!
Looking Ahead
We remain committed to expanding our reach, improving healthcare access, and empowering underserved communities. Join us:
Conclusion
"Sponsors don’t necessarily have the money, they just have the heart"
Every moment spent serving underserved communities is a testament to the power of compassion. Our AirUp journey has only strengthened our resolve to revolutionize healthcare in Africa.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our reach, improving healthcare access, and continuing to empower local communities. We invite you to support our mission—whether by donating, volunteering, or sharing our story—and join us in creating lasting change.
Project AirUp is revolutionizing healthcare access in rural Nigeria, and we’re just getting started.
