A Greek humanitarian organisation, The Heart Doctors, has commenced a 10-day free medical outreach across five local government areas of Niger State.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the programme in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the delegation led by Mrs. Eleni Sotirou. He said the outreach will cover Shiroro, Munya, Agaie, Paikoro, and Chanchaga LGAs.
In Shiroro, the exercise officially began on Friday at Madabiya village in Egwa/Gwada Ward, with services focused on children, women, and the elderly—groups most vulnerable due to limited access to healthcare.
Sotirou explained that the mission is part of the organisation’s sustained effort to expand healthcare access in rural and semi-urban communities. She added that Niger was chosen because of Governor Bago’s visible commitment to revitalising the state’s health sector, citing the construction of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Shiroro, the upgrade of the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, and reforms in primary healthcare facilities.
“We are encouraged by the steps your administration is taking to strengthen healthcare delivery. Our work here is only possible because of the hospitality and support we continue to receive whenever we visit,” Sotirou said.
Responding, Governor Bago welcomed the medical team and expressed gratitude for their intervention, describing it as “a partnership that complements government’s vision of a healthier Niger State.”
The Director of Primary Health Care, Shiroro LGA, Musa Kabir, commended the initiative and urged residents of Egwa/Gwada Ward and surrounding areas to take advantage of the programme.
Other members of The Heart Doctors delegation included Dr. John Sotirou, Pantelis Ypsilantis, Mairi Ypsilantis, Mairi Giataganas, and George Giataganas, alongside the organisation’s Niger State coordinators, Dr. Mustapha Jibril Alheri and Adams Mustapha.
The Shiroro Local Government Council, in a statement signed by its Information Officer, Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged continued support for humanitarian and health-related interventions that improve the well-being of citizens.