ST. MARY’S CONCLUDES IMPACTFUL 2025 INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL MISSION & PHYSIOTHERAPY WEEK. JULY 2025

From 3rd to 11th July 2025, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu successfully hosted the 2025 International Medical Missions/  Physiotherapy Week under the theme:

 “Neurodevelopmental Physiointerventions: From Cradle to Cane.”

This year’s program focused on early intervention for children with neurodevelopmental disorders—especially Cerebral Palsy, which accounted for over 70% of the 300 patients seen during the outreach. With free consultations, manual therapy sessions, assistive device fittings, and group activities, the mission left a lasting impact.

“It’s not just the number of patients we’ve seen, but the transformation we’ve witnessed,” said Dr. Obi Onukogu, Medical Director. “This mission brought hope and real progress to families who had almost given up.”

One of the key moments was the donation of orthotic shoes and mobility aids to children in need—making way for the installation of a fully equipped physiotherapy gym in the near future.

The final day featured training on manual handling and advanced cerebral palsy management, led by the SMCCH physiotherapy team under the supervision of German physiotherapist, Karin Huenteler, who also conducted a yoga session for the hospital community on 11th July.

“I’ve seen strong commitment here,” Karin remarked. “These children are in good hands, and the team’s passion is unmatched.”

The founder and president of the hospital, Rev. Fr. Sergius Duru, expressed his gratitude: “This is what we dreamt of—seeing our children walk, stretch, and smile again. We are grateful to our partners in Germany and everyone who made this possible.”

With massive turnout, enthusiastic participation, and evident clinical improvements in many patients, the mission has been hailed as a huge success. The hospital looks forward to expanding services and strengthening global partnerships for long-term care of children with special needs.

For more information or referrals, please contact 09070705126 or visit the Physiotherapy Department, St. Mary’s Hospital, Umuowa Orlu.