The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated much needed medical equipment and supplies to the Federal Medical Center in Abuja Nigeria. The Medical Center is part of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health. The donations included three dialysis machines, two incubators, and a reverse osmosis and water treatment plant. The donation was made at a ceremony on 20 June 2023 at the Hospital in Abuja.
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Presenting the donation for the Church was Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa West Area. He was joined by he was joined by Sister Wendy Nielsen and other Area and local leaders of the Church. Representing the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health were Professor Saad Aliyu Ahmed, Medical Director, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Director of Hospital Services for the Federal Ministry of Health, and Engr. Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunsho, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
During the last few years, the Church has developed a special relationship with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health as part of its humanitarian efforts. Since 2017, the Church has donated $27million to various projects throughout Nigeria. These projects include collaboration with the Nigerian Eye Foundation, the Pediatric Association of Nigeria, and with the World Health Organization. They have committed to donate an additional $3.5million in 2023.
DOWNLOADDuring the presentation of the donation. Elder Nielsen noted that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints engages in humanitarian efforts throughout the world. These efforts are funded by the charitable contributions of its members. “This includes donations from members of our Church here in Abuja and throughout Nigeria,” he said and added, “they do this because they desire to be more like Christ and want to alleviate the suffering of their fellow Nigerians. They don’t desire recognition for their selfless giving…they just want to know that good is being done…and I believe that good is being done here today.”
Receiving the donation for the Hospital was the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Engr. Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunsho. He shared the incredible need for this equipment. “We currently serve over 70,000 dialysis patients out of this hospital, and our current two machines are older and less reliable, not allowing us to meet our current needs,” he said. He also noted that their pediatric unit lacks some of the essential equipment necessary to improve the neonatal experience and decrease the infant mortality rates.” He thanked the Church saying, “This is a proud day for us all. We are so grateful for this uncommon humanitarian gesture. With their donation, the hospital will be able to treat more renal patients timely and more infants will benefit from the incubator care.”
Elder Nielsen said,” It is my prayer for all here today that these donations will ease the suffering of those with kidney disease, who struggle to receive the basic care necessary to live a normal and healthy life. My hope also is that we will continue to find ways to decrease the infant mortality rate in Nigeria and other West African countries.”
Elder Nielsen concluded his remarks by urging for accountability in the proper maintenance and care of this equipment. “It is our wish that this donation, given in love, will stand the test of time and help increase positive health outcomes at the Federal Medical Center for many years to come. We hope to be able to return regularly to witness the impact of this donation.”
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