TheCable

The platform of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), a group of medical practitioners, has appealed to wealthy and privileged individuals to attend to the needs of the poor in the society.

Speaking over the weekend when the doctors visited two motherless babies home in Enugu, Charmaine Emelife-Ukabam, president of the group, said the government cannot come to the aide of the less-privileged in the society.

Emelife-Ukabam promised that ANPA would look at ways to provide more interventions in future, especially in response to the litany of needs of homes.

She charged the facilitators of the homes not to betray the trust of the public by ensuring that the items donated by members of the public are put in good use.

“We are privileged to have to do this. With the situation of things here, we realise that we have indeed come to where there is indeed need,” she said.

“Our children at all times deserve the best in whatever home they find themselves.

“Admittedly, this calls for sacrifices, but we must realise that if the prevailing economy makes it difficult for us, it only makes it more difficult for them.

“Every sacrifice will be an investment on the future of the children. By starting with the children, and the mothers, ANPA feels it is starting at the roots.”

Mary Uzokwe, a reverend sister at Holy Child Motherless Home, thanked the group for its magnanimity.

People don’t bring things to us again like in the past; everyone is complaining,” she said.

“We need more things, especially water. We can’t have a borehole because of coal. People donate water tankers to us like you have done.”

Tony Udegbu, secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross motherless babies home said: “Through the dedication and passion of its volunteer staff and good spirited individuals. We can certainly do with more support and charity.”

ANPA donated N150,000, baby food items to the Nigerian Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, and a water tank to a Catholic Church running a motherless babies home in Enugu.