Administrator
REPORT ON THE VISIT OF CEmONC EVALUATORS TO ST. MARY’S CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, UMUOWA, ORLU. SEPTEMBER 2025
As part of the South East Quality Improvement Project for hospitals designated under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) programme, a national evaluation team visited St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu to monitor, assess, and strengthen the quality of maternal and newborn health services.
It is noteworthy that our hospital is the only private hospital in the entire state currently participating in the CEmONC programme, a recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality, lifesaving maternal and newborn care.
About CEmONC
CEmONC (Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care) is a national programme designed to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by improving FREE access to timely, specialized, and high-quality care to indigent patients with obstetric emergencies. It ensures that hospitals are equipped and staffed to handle obstetric emergencies, provide safe delivery services, perform essential surgeries such as cesarean sections, and deliver comprehensive newborn care. The ultimate goal is to save lives, strengthen referral systems, and improve maternal and child health outcomes across Nigeria.
The evaluation team was formally received by the hospital management and held a meeting with the Medical Director and the hospital’s multidisciplinary team on CEmONC. Following the meeting, the evaluators were conducted on a detailed tour of the hospital facilities.
During the visit, the team assessed critical service areas including the Outpatient Department (OPD), Antenatal and Postnatal Clinics, the Labour Ward and Maternity Unit, as well as the Adolescent and Neonatal Wards. They also reviewed the Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Blood Bank services, in addition to the General Wards and other support facilities, notably the Radiology Unit.
In the course of the tour, the evaluators reviewed operational standards and assessed the quality of healthcare delivery, standards, protocols of care, and checklists of associated services, as well as the overall quality of service delivery. At the conclusion of the exercise, the team expressed great satisfaction with the hospital’s level of practice, organizational structure, and commitment to providing high-quality maternal and newborn care. They noted the close referral support given to primary health care providers, and the recent maternal mortality workshop conducted for over 75 maternities in the region. They also particularly commended the cleanliness of the environment, staff dedication, and the availability of all essential services.
Speaking during the interaction, the Medical Director of St. Mary’s, Dr. Obi Onukogu, highlighted the hospital’s broader role in advancing maternal health in the region. He stated: “As part of our commitment to the CEmONC vision, St. Mary’s has gone beyond service delivery to capacity building. We recently organized a Maternal Mortality Reduction Workshop for over 75 maternities and health centres in the zone, strengthening referral pathways and empowering frontline health workers with the skills needed to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. This is in line with our mission to save lives and improve maternal and newborn outcomes across the region.”
Also speaking during the visit, the Project Lead, NHIA–CEmONC South East, Dr. Zeluwa Maikori, praised the hospital’s dedication and impact. She noted: “St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu, has demonstrated exemplary dedication to maternal and newborn health. The hospital stands out not only for its infrastructure and service delivery but also for the passion and commitment of its staff. As the only private hospital in this programme within the state, St. Mary’s is setting a strong example of how private facilities can contribute meaningfully to national health goals, particularly the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality.”
The visit was highly successful, and the positive review stands as a testament to St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu’s dedication to safe, effective, and patient-centered maternal and newborn health services.
Jan and Lisa Complete 5-Week Social Work Internship at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital . AUGUST 2025
A Well-Rounded Internship Experience
Throughout their stay, Jan and Lisa were actively engaged in observational learning, patient welfare support, and social assistance activities across multiple hospital units. Their rotation exposed them to the Emergency Room (ER), Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, Pediatrics, NICU, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dialysis Unit, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Ophthalmology, Crèche, and Administration. Some of their key activities included:- Emergency Room (ER): Assisting in welcoming patients, guiding relatives, and observing triage.
- Paediatrics & NICU: Engaging children with play therapy, helping nurses with non-clinical infant care, and providing support to parents.
- Dialysis & ICU: Offering patient comfort measures and observing advanced critical care procedures.
- Pharmacy & Medical Records: Organizing stock, arranging patient files, and learning hospital documentation protocols.
- Physiotherapy & Ophthalmology: Supporting rehabilitation activities and observing eye screening sessions.
- Theatre (Operating Room): Observing sterile protocols, surgical preparation, and post-surgery recovery processes.
Active Participation in Learning and Training
In addition to their ward-based activities, Jan and Lisa had the opportunity to:- Assist in three surgical operations (observational role).
- Attend a seminar on Maternal & Child Mortality, where Lisa delivered a short presentation.
- Join yoga classes organized for hospital staff.
- Observe radiology sessions, including ultrasound and CT scan procedures.
- Visit the dental and neonatal wards for special exposure.
Cultural Exchange and Nigerian Hospitality
Life outside the hospital was equally rewarding. Jan and Lisa enjoyed traditional Nigerian meals, sometimes participating in the cooking themselves. The hospital organized several excursions, including visits to Owerri city, a museum tour, shopping trips, and attending church services with staff and community members. These experiences gave them an authentic taste of Nigerian culture and hospitality, which they described as unforgettable.Lasting Impressions
According to the hospital staff, Jan and Lisa’s presence contributed positively to patient welfare and staff morale. Their willingness to participate in both clinical and non-clinical roles showcased their adaptability and compassion. On behalf of the hospital, Dr. Obi Onukogu, Chief Medical Director, and Dr. Sergius Duru, initiator of the hospital’s Austrian partnership program, commended both interns for their dedication and encouraged them to carry forward the lessons learned into their future careers.“Jan and Lisa brought not only youthful energy but also genuine compassion and eagerness to serve. They left behind a warm impression and will always remain part of the St. Mary’s family,” said Dr. Onukogu.As we bid farewell to Jan and Lisa, we celebrate the success of their internship and reaffirm our commitment to offering international students a platform to learn, share, and contribute to healthcare in Nigeria. We congratulate Lisa Steiner and Jan Mentel on the successful completion of their internship and wish them every success in their future endeavors.
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL UMUOWA HOSTS REGIONAL MATERNAL MORTALITY WORKSHOP JULY 2025
In a determined effort to combat the alarming rate of maternal deaths in Nigeria, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, hosted a high-impact regional workshop on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The event, which drew participants from across Orlu Zone, focused on the theme: “Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths: Tools, Trends, and Timely Interventions.”
The seminar brought together more than 120 healthcare professionals, including midwives, nurses, doctors, health administrators, and representatives from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Attendees came from public and private hospitals, community clinics, primary health centres, and traditional maternity homes scattered across the 12 local government areas of Orlu Zone.
Held in the hospital auditorium, the one-day event addressed Nigeria’s staggering maternal mortality burden — currently estimated at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births — and provided hands-on strategies for preventing the majority of these deaths, 70% of which are considered avoidable with timely intervention and appropriate care.
As the only officially designated Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) centre in Orlu Zone, St. Mary’s Hospital has taken up a leadership role in maternal health innovation. The hospital already offers 24-hour emergency Caesarean sections, blood transfusion services, neonatal resuscitation, skilled birth attendance, and a fully functional ambulance and referral system — the pillars of any CEMONC facility.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in practical sessions, including live simulations on managing postpartum hemorrhage, obstetric drills on eclampsia and sepsis, safe delivery techniques in low-resource settings, and interactive discussions on maternal rights, referral coordination, and NHIA maternal coverage. One of the standout sessions focused on the three delays contributing to maternal deaths: delay in recognizing danger signs, delay in accessing care, and delay in receiving skilled treatment.
“This is the most practical and empowering seminar I’ve ever attended. I now understand how to act fast and what to do in emergencies,” said a midwife from Amaifeke, visibly moved by the hands-on approach of the training.
The event also featured a special video message from medical partners in Germany, who have been longstanding supporters of the hospital’s maternal and child health initiatives. In their message, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting training, equipment, and sustainable interventions in rural maternal care.
The atmosphere at the workshop was both inspiring and urgent, as participants acknowledged the heavy responsibility that maternal care providers bear. There was a shared determination that no woman should lose her life while giving life — especially when the tools to prevent such outcomes are within reach.
According to the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Obi Onukogu , “the workshop is part of a broader strategy by St. Mary’s to build capacity and strengthen maternal health systems across the region”. “We are not waiting for solutions from above,” he said. “We are building systems from the ground up — one trained health worker at a time.”
The hospital plans to continue hosting such capacity-building programs, alongside expanding its maternal services, to meet the growing needs of women in underserved rural communities.
St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, remains at the forefront of maternal health advocacy and emergency response in southeastern Nigeria, with its model of care increasingly attracting national and international attention.
With the success of the workshop, it is clear that Orlu Zone has taken a bold and hopeful step forward in the fight against preventable maternal deaths.
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.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL DONATION: A 40FT CONTAINER ARRIVES ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL FROM AUSTRIA 🇦🇹✈️🇳🇬JULY 2025
We are thrilled to announce that St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, has received yet another significant medical donation—a 40-foot container shipment of essential medical equipment and supplies, generously sent by our long-standing friends and partners from Austria.
The UZONDU Support Association bore and financed the immense costs of transporting the huge container from Austria to Nigeria
The container, which arrived at the hospital on Tuesday, July 2025, was packed with high-value and life-saving materials including:Solar panel modules to support our energy sustainability, A state-of-the-art Anaesthetic machine for critical care and surgery, Hospital furniture for our wards and outpatient clinics, As well as varied medical consumables and support tools for improved service delivery.
All items have been received, unpacked, and deployed across the relevant hospital departments, where they are already contributing to better care for our patients and a safer work environment for our healthcare team.
A Heartfelt Thank You We extend our deepest gratitude to our Austrian benefactors and mission partners for their unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in our community. Your act of solidarity brings hope, healing, and dignity to thousands of lives.
Message from the Medical Director “This shipment couldn’t have come at a better time. The Anaesthetic machine and solar modules alone will transform the way we handle emergencies and critical care. On behalf of our entire clinical team, we thank our partners in Austria for their compassion and for continually equipping us to save lives.” – Dr. Obi Onukogu. Medical Director, St. Mary’s Hospital, Umuowa Orlu
Message from the President & Founder “This is not just a container—it is a container of hope. With every item, our friends in Austria have extended love, care, and faith in humanity. Thank you for believing in this mission. God bless you all.”— Rev. Fr. Sergius Duru President & Founder, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital
As we move toward our Vision 2030, your contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria. Thank you for standing with us.
Together, we heal. Together, we rise.
UPCOMING 2025 INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL MISSION / PHYSIOTHERAPY WEEK JUNE 2025
Paediatrics Physiotherapy Week
St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, in collaboration with Asklepios Klinik Bonn, Germany, invites parents to a Paediatrics Physiotherapy Week from 3rd to 11th July 2025, 8 AM – 5 PM daily.
The program offers free assessment and treatment for children aged 0–15 years showing signs like delayed sitting/walking, abnormal body tone, uneven limb use, strange walking patterns, or persistent baby reflexes.
Venue: Physiotherapy Department, St. Mary’s Hospital.
Contact: 09070705126
Early physiotherapy can make a big difference — don’t miss this opportunity!
St. Mary’s Hospital Appoints Two Assistant Matrons Amidst a Glorious 2025 Nurses’ Week Celebration. MAY 2025
In a landmark development aimed at bolstering clinical leadership and enhancing the quality of patient care, the Management of St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, has announced the appointment of two accomplished nursing professionals as Assistant Matrons. The appointees—Mrs. Dorathy Nwaenyi (RN, RM, B.NSc, DPH) and Ms. Valerie Ikerionwu (RN, RM, B.NSc, CCN)—bring with them a wealth of experience, professional depth, and demonstrated excellence across diverse specialties in nursing practice.
The announcement coincided with the hospital’s vibrant commemoration of the 2025 Nurses’ Week, a celebration characterized by a cascade of compassion, professional pride, and reaffirmed commitment to holistic patient care. Throughout the week, nurses at St. Mary’s extended acts of kindness and medical outreach not only to patients within the wards but also to members of the surrounding community—further cementing the hospital’s reputation as a beacon of empathy-driven healthcare.
Delivering his remarks during the event, the Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Clement Kaduru, congratulated the new Assistant Matrons and seized the opportunity to urge all nurses to remain dedicated to patient-centred, evidence-informed care. He emphasized the imperative of clinical vigilance, interprofessional collaboration, and empathetic communication, which he described as the cornerstones of transformative nursing. Dr. Kaduru admonished the new appointees to serve with integrity, resilience, and strong commitment to the hospital’s mission.
The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Obi Onukogu, lauded the nursing team for their consistent display of professionalism and excellence, noting that the hospital has witnessed an unprecedented surge in patient satisfaction indices and commendatory testimonials. He attributed this to the relentless dedication of the nurses, describing them as “the unsung architects of recovery and wellness.”
In a heartfelt goodwill message, the Founder and President of the Hospital, Rev. Dr. Sergius Duru, extended his profound appreciation to all nurses, acknowledging their indispensable role in sustaining the hospital’s legacy of compassionate, high-impact care. “Our nurses exemplify the spirit of sacrificial service. They are not merely caregivers; they are healers, advocates, and the soul of this institution,” he said.
As the hospital continues to scale new heights in service delivery, the appointments of Mrs. Dorathy Nwaenyi and Ms. Valerie Ikerionwu as Assistant Matrons signal a renewed era of visionary nursing leadership. Their varied clinical backgrounds, academic achievements, and commitment to excellence are expected to significantly augment the hospital’s ongoing efforts toward quality improvement and institutional advancement.
St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital congratulates the new Assistant Matrons and looks forward to their impactful contributions.
2025 World Kidney Day at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu: Celebrating One Year of Life-Saving, Subsidized Dialysis Services. APRIL 2025.
Last month , on Thursday, March 13, 2025, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, joined the global community to commemorate World Kidney Day 2025—a day dedicated to raising awareness of kidney health and advancing care for people with kidney diseases.
This year’s celebration was especially significant for our hospital. We marked one full year of offering 24/7 subsidized dialysis services—a milestone that has brought hope and healing to hundreds of families across the region.
In just 12 months, our dialysis unit—the most comprehensive and functional in the entire region—has recorded an astounding 300% increase in the number of dialysis sessions rendered, reflecting the growing trust the community places in our services.
From only a few weekly sessions in previous years to now operating round-the-clock, 7 days a week, the impact has been transformational. For many patients who would have otherwise had to travel long distances—or worse, go without life-sustaining care—St. Mary’s has become a lifeline.
In his keynote speech at the event, the President of the hospital, Rev. Dr. Sergius Duru, expressed gratitude for the progress made, while calling for continued support from well-meaning individuals and organizations:
“Exactly one year ago, with the generous support of our Austrian partners, we launched our subsidized dialysis program. Since then, lives have been saved, families restored, and hope rekindled in countless homes. But we cannot stop here. The burden of kidney disease is growing, and we need more hands on deck. I call on philanthropists, local businesses, government agencies, and the global Nigerian community to come forward and support this life-saving service. Help us keep dialysis accessible, help us keep hope alive.”
Dr. Obi Onukogu, the Medical Director of the hospital, highlighted the vital role the facility has played in addressing the rising incidence of kidney disease in the region:
“St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital has become the foremost center for kidney care in this part of Nigeria. Our 24-hour dialysis unit is the only one of its kind in Imo State—fully equipped, staffed, and reliable. Beyond dialysis, we’ve intensified our focus on early detection, education, and lifestyle modification to help people prevent kidney failure. What we are witnessing is not just an increase in numbers, but a transformation in healthcare delivery—powered by vision, sacrifice, and community trust.”
This year’s World Kidney Day theme, “Kidney Health for All”, resonates deeply with our mission. At St. Mary’s, we believe no one should be denied treatment because of cost. That is why we have made dialysis more affordable, more available, and more human.
Our hospital stands as a beacon of hope in the Southeast, reminding the world that with commitment and compassion, healthcare can be accessible and life-saving—even in underserved regions.
As we celebrate one year of success, we look forward with determination. But we need your help. Every ₦1,000 you give brings a patient closer to life. Every donation fuels our machines, pays our staff, and buys critical consumables.
Together, we can give more people a second chance at life
📞For inquiries and donations, please call: +234 -8130978854
ST. MARY’S CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, UMUOWA ORLU, APPROVED AS A CEmOC CENTRE MARCH 2025
We are proud to announce that St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, has been officially approved as a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC) Centre by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in partnership with an accredited Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this designation was signed on Thursday, 27th February 2025,marking a significant milestone in our commitment to reducing maternal mortality and providing life-saving emergency obstetric care to vulnerable and indigent women.
With this approval, St. Mary’s joins 159 other hospitals nationwide in delivering critical maternal and newborn emergency services at no cost to eligible patients.
What This Means for Our Community: As an approved CEmOC Centre, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital will now provide:
- Emergency cesarean sections
- Safe blood transfusions
- Essential medications for maternal emergencies (e.g., antibiotics, oxytocics, anticonvulsants)
- Management of postpartum hemorrhage and severe infections
- Manual removal of retained placenta
- Assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum extraction)
- Newborn resuscitation for birth asphyxia
Who Can Benefit?
This initiative strictly serves poo
How to Access This Service
- Referral from partner hospitals using designated CEmOC referral forms (to be distributed soon).
- Strictly for emergency obstetric cases (routine maternity cases are not covered).
A Call to Action for Partner Hospitals
We urge all partner hospitals and institutions to collaborate with us in identifying and referring only those truly in need. Together, we can prevent unnecessary maternal deaths.
Inaugural Board of Management Meeting Sets Strategic Direction for St. Mary’s Hospital FEBRUARY 2025
INAUGURATION OF THE 6TH BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ST MARY’S CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL UMUOWA ORLU. JANUARY 2025.
The 6th board of management of our hospital has been inaugurated by the Umuowa Community. The President General of Umuowa, Deacon Freeman Ezike inaugurated 25 new board members with Pharm. Chief Ben Nnamdi Ononiwu as the Chairman of the board of management.
The full list of members inaugurated are:
- Pharm. Ben Ononiwu -Chairman
- Dr C.C. Amajioyi -Member
- Prof Barnabas Madu -Member
- Pharm Andrew Mgbam -Member
- Arc. Kelechi Ezike -Member
- Ichie Fide Chimezie -Member
- Ichie Mburuom Casmir -Member
- Deac Freeman Ezike -Member
- Nnaoma Sabinus -Member
- Representative of HRH Eze Duruigbo -Member
- Dr Mrs Thecia Nwanebo -Member
- Rev. Fr Emeka Ukwandu -Member
- Rev Monsignor Ibebuike -Member
- Rev Fr Cyril Duru -Member
- Dr Mrs Livina Dim -Member
- Rev Fr. Theadeus Ugwe -Member
- Hon Ichie Mbanaso -Member
- Rev. Fr Chris Ihenaeto -Member
- Ichie Iyke Duru -Member
- Engr. Ted Duru -Member
- Mrs. Juliana C. Duru -Member
- Mrs Victoria Anugwom -Member
- Medical Director -Ex Officio Member
- Administrator -Ex Officio Member
- Matron -Ex Officio Member
Their appointments are based on their professional inclinations which are in line with global best standards. Barr. Fintan Ilika administered the oath to the new board members present. The PG, had earlier dissolved the old board members headed by Pharm. George Nwagha and thereafter congratulated the newly inaugurated 6th board members , and charged them to be committed to addressing the challenges of the hospital and strive to ensure innovation, growth and development of the hospital and to lead above odds.
The newly inaugurated board Chairman, Pharm. Ben Ononiwu in his speech, pledged to work with the board and management to ensure transparency and growth of the hospital in areas such as building strategic partnerships, investing in our people, ensuring our hospital remains a responsible steward of resources. The Medical Director, Dr Obi Onukogu , expressed hope and renewed commitment to the hospital’s vision, he noted that for any effective hospital , an effective board of management is needed, he urged the board to explore opportunities and drive innovations. The tenure of the newly inaugurated board of management takes effect from 1st January , 2025.
Collaboration for Growth: Christmas Campaign in Bonn- DECEMBER 2024 December 6 , 2024
- Christmas Card Sales: Students creatively promoted and sold Christmas cards, with proceeds directed to support the hospital’s initiatives.
- Clothing Exchange and Second-Hand Shop: The school launched a clothing exchange program, which saw enthusiastic participation. Plans are underway to establish a permanent second-hand shop at the school, where donated clothing will be sold to raise funds for St. Mary’s Hospital.
