Anambra State Association, USA, (ASA-USA) is a non - profit association founded on the promise of assisting the poor, the needy or less privileged in our society. From August 7, through August 23, 2010, ASA - USA embarked on a medical mission to Nigeria which has been on-going for the past five years.

As you are aware, thousands are dying as a result of either poor or no medical attention. Children are going to school without proper immunization. Local health centers lacked the necessary equipment and supplies. People young and old die from preventable diseases.

Okija was selected as one of the twelve towns to be visited and its general hospital was the venue where treatment was provided. On August 20, 2010, the medical mission group arrived Okija with over two hundred personnel and volunteers. By 5:30 A.M. the hospital premises was overwhelmed by the crowd of people lined up to be seen by the medical personnel who distributed cards used for writing prescriptions. At Okija many people were provided medical care, which included distribution of tons of medications, counseling and free gynecological exams for women. Many people suffering from hypertension, diabetes and gastrointestinal diseaseswere treated. Eye examinations were conducted and reading glasses were dispensed.

The Nnewi General Hospital and Iyi-Enu Hospital Ogidi we re facilities designated for special care and those needing surgery were referred to Drs. Udo and Anago. Others on the team performed surgeries and saw men and women for gynecological issues. For many it was the first time they had ever been examined by a doctor. There were set backs at the early planning of the medical mission in terms of financing and logistics, but, we were able to overcome them.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Okija USA, especially the president, Emeka Mike Ihionu and his executive committee for their financial and moral support. The president also traveled to Okija purposely for the Medical Mission, and was a tremendous help in ensuring that the mission was a huge success it was, in Okija.

My sincere gratitude to Chief/Sir Daniel Chukwudozie for his generosity in providing the lunch, dinner and all the drinks for two hundred volunteers and water to all that needed it. Not only did he provide these but he ensured their delivery on time. Most importantly, he did all these at a very short notice. Dr. Paul Obianaso also worked very hard as a liaison with Mike Ihionu and I, to make sure that the hospital environment was clean and ready for the medical mission. He arranged for the security, and all needed logistics for the success of the mission and was personally on ground throughout the mission, monitoring and providing assistance as, and when, needed. Dr. Chukwudi Onwuka, our very own, a devoted member of the Pharmacy team, worked tirelessly, exhibiting his professionalism and selfless service during the mission.

Our greetings go to Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, the then president of ASA USA,- John Obegolu, Chief Medical Mission Coordinator and the medical mission committee who made it possible for Okija to be one of the towns visited.

Finally, I am grateful to be part of the medical mission team that went to my home town, OKIJA. It was, indeed, gratifying and a very worthwhile experience. I wish OKIJA USA, Inc. a happy 10 th convention holding at CLARION HOTEL LAGUARDIA, NEW YO RK CITY