By Ifunanya Ndigwe

Makoko residents in Lagos State are beginning to see the impact of a three‑month free medical outreach launched by Mater Africa ETS from Italy in collaboration with his Anonymous Association registered in Nigeria, in partnership with the Makoko Children Development Foundation School and Orphanage Home.

Nearly 500 people have received medical care within the first two weeks of operations.

The outreach, operating from an Emergency Tent near Bethany Methodist Church in Apollo, Makoko, is part of a structured three‑month pilot programme designed to provide essential medical services to residents of the waterfront community, many of whom have limited or no access to healthcare.

Makoko, often referred to as the “Nigerian Venice,” has long faced challenges linked to underdevelopment, including limited access to healthcare and other essential services. The situation worsened earlier this year after several local healthcare structures were demolished by the Lagos State government.

Mater Africa reported that the medical tent has recorded significant activity since its opening, with approximately 500 residents — including many children — receiving medical consultations, treatments, and basic health assessments within two weeks.
According to the medical team, malaria accounted for a significant portion of the cases treated during the period, while several residents also received wound care and other medical interventions. Some beneficiaries had never previously visited a hospital or undergone a medical check‑up in their lives.

Chioma Okafor, coordinator of the Makoko Emergency Medical Outreach and field representative of Mater Africa, said the community’s response highlights the scale of the healthcare gap in the area.
“Makoko is a community full of resilience, but the healthcare gap here is very wide,” Okafor said. “Our goal with this outreach is to ensure that people who have little or no access to medical services can receive basic care, diagnosis and treatment.”

Medical practitioner Dr Salami noted that many of the cases treated are common illnesses that could be effectively managed if residents had regular access to healthcare services.
“We continue to see many cases of malaria and other preventable conditions. With this outreach, residents can receive treatment and medications without worrying about the cost,” he said.
Mater Africa stated that the outreach is fully coordinated and managed by the organisation as part of its humanitarian health intervention, supported by Italian medical partners and international operational protocols.

To strengthen its operations and meet the growing demand for services, the initiative recently received new medical supplies from Italy. The shipment included about 400 kilograms of medicines and diagnostic materials donated by Centro Missionario Medicinali in Florence.

Additional equipment delivered to the outreach includes a portable ultrasound scanner, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, medical gloves and protective goggles. Further medical equipment from SOSolidarietà in Salerno, Italy — including another portable ultrasound unit and a field electrocardiograph — is expected to arrive soon to further support the medical team.

For Amb. January Urban, founder of the Makoko Children Development Foundation School and Orphanage Home, has brought much‑needed relief to residents who previously struggled to access healthcare.

“Many people in Makoko have been living without regular medical support,” he said. “This outreach is helping residents receive care and attention that many of them have not had access to before.”
Despite earlier engagements, Mater Africa noted that it did not receive operational support from UNICEF Lagos after weeks of discussions.