UPDATED April 2025
WALLA WALLA NOON ROTARY CLUB PHYSICIAN RETURNS FROM MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO NIGERIA
In April 2025, Dr. James Uzoma Opara, a member of Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club since 2004, accompanied by a dedicated team of medical professionals, traveled to Achi Mbieri, a medically underserved rural community in Southeastern Nigeria, to provide free healthcare services. The team is comprised of 6 physicians, 8 registered nurses, 2 pharmacists, 3 pharmacy technicians and 15 support personnel. This noble initiative was sponsored by Achi Association USA, a non-profit and charitable organization that has remained steadfast in its mission to improve health accessibility. Over the years, the organization has extended vital medical care beyond its immediate community, reaching neighboring areas with free treatments, screenings, and health education.
One of the most groundbreaking achievements of this mission is the recent collaboration between Achi Association USA and Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club —to establish the state-of-the-art Achi Mbieri Medical Center. This facility stands as a testament to perseverance, kindness, and the power of Rotary in community-driven efforts. With the collective support of these organizations, the medical center will serve as a beacon of hope, transforming healthcare access for the entire region.
During their time in the community, Dr. Opara and his team diagnosed and treated various medical conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, malaria, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin diseases.
Several distinguished figures graced the occasion, underscoring its significance. Among them were:
- Hon. Ifunanya Nwanegwo, Executive Chairman of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.
- Hon. Emmanuel Onumajunwa, Councilor representing Ezinihitte ward in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
- Dr. Daniel Victor Iwuagwu, Esq, President General of Achi Mbieri Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.
Hon. Nwanegwo commended the sponsors for their unwavering commitment to health equity, emphasizing that "health is wealth" and encouraging residents to take full advantage of the medical outreach.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the event, Venerable Joshua Onwuliri, Vicar of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Achi Mbieri led prayers, dedicating the mission and its impact to divine guidance.
Reflecting on the ongoing progress at the Achi Mbieri Medical Center, Dr. Opara expressed immense joy and gratitude, particularly acknowledging the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club for its tremendous support in bringing this vision to life.
Dr. Opara expressed his deep gratitude to Refuge Church Walla Walla for their generous support of his foundation and this important project. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to his wife, children, family, and employer, whose unwavering encouragement made it possible for him to embark on this mission. Plans are underway to equip and furnish the medical center to meet the standards required for approval by the Ministry of Health, Imo State, Nigeria, allowing it to commence formal operations. Additionally, a local medical doctor has generously donated medical equipment and furniture, which were utilized in the facility during last April’s free medical services as part of his contribution to this life-saving initiative
This exemplifies the transformative power of collective goodwill, bridging healthcare gaps and fostering lasting change in the lives of underserved communities.
