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I met Dr. G while working with Dr. Barry Stern, former undersecretary of education under President Bush,#41. Dr. Stern presented his Workforce Development Fast Break Program which is designed to assist students who are in need of improving their science and math skills. The Fast Break Program, perfect for prospective engineering student workers, has the potential to prevent the perpetual {dropout} syndrome we witness in America's public schools. Dr. G was present at the dinner for Dr.Stern which was held at the Houston Club and sponsored by the Haberman Educational Foundation. Twenty-five individuals from education and business attended the dinner meeting.

Dr. G was there as a board member for the Fort Bend Independent School District's Thurgood Marshall High School Electronic Engineering Academy. Being a surgeon and participating with a high school was of particular interest to me because of the education aspect of his exemplary work. He had just returned from Nigeria where he continues his efforts towards building a hospital for those who need health care. Here is what he had to say about children in poverty who suffer everyday. He is striving to assist those who need him the most in Nigeria.

What is your educational background Dr. G?

Upon completing my undergraduate education at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas I went to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and graduated with an MD. My further training in general surgery was at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and added specialty training in Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at University of Maryland Medical Systems, Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) in Baltimore, Maryland. I then joined the Department of Surgery faculty at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas from where I transferred to the Department of Surgery and Emergency Medicine of The University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Texas.

What is the current healthcare status of your home country, Nigeria?

Using the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health data as an indicator, it can be said that healthcare in Nigeria still has a long way to go. Latest information on Nigeria healthcare status from the World Health Organization states: "Nigeria, in the past few years has experienced some worsening of child mortality. The infant mortality rate evaluated at 100 per 1000 in 2003 was measured at 87 in 1990. In 2000 the maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria was 800 per 100,000 live births. The under-five mortality ratio in Nigeria is 201 per 1000 live births meaning that one in five Nigerian children never reach the age of 5." These data are mind boggling when compared to those in the western world or even other developing countries.

What do you suggest to be done?

Over the years I have developed a keen interest in healthcare issues in Nigeria and participated in many conferences and symposia to that effect. I left the fulltime faculty position at University of Texas Medical School, Houston in order to dedicate more time to the pursuit of ways to remedy this deplorable condition. In 1998, with the help of friends, I founded the Africa Christian Medical Mission, Inc. (ACMMI) a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free healthcare services around the world with focus on Africa and the Caribbean. Since 2000 ACMMI has helped thousands of poor and hurting people but such short-term medical mission leaves a gap in continuity of care. I therefore decided to establish a small, well equipped, modern healthcare facility in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in order to provide the needed care.

Tell about your success in this endeavor.

I am glad to report that ACMMI has recorded significant success in its short-term medical mission program. Over the past eight years, we have offered free healthcare services to over 30,000 people in several African and Caribbean countries. Whereas this has not resolved the enormous need in these countries we have unquestionable made a definite and positive impact on the individual lives and families we have served. As a faith-based non-governmental organization we can gladly also report that over a third of the people have served made first time profession of faith to the glory of God Almighty and another third indicated rededication to the faith. On the hospital project we have completed brick and mortar work on the first and second floors of the planned three-floor building. There is no question that much work remains to be done but the success so far is commendable. I am sure that with support from corporate and individual partners we can touch even more lives and reach the goal even sooner.

Is education a key factor for making a difference in Nigeria?

In one word, YES and I am a classic example.Neither of my parents had a single day of formal education. However, my father believed in the difference education can make and decided to make any sacrifice necessary for me to get an education. But when I was in the 9^th grade he could no longer fund my education. It took the partnering of the state government in the form of a scholarship to enable me complete my secondary education. I can go on to list similar juncture along the path of my personal life which clearly illustrates the difference that education makes but suffice to say that partnering can sometimes be the key to achieving that success story. My personal life testifies to such a positive difference.

What are the "education for all" prospects there?

This is a true win-win scenario. With the positive difference that education made in my life I have been empowered to turn around and positively impact multiple lives as can be seen in the many projects I have been part of. Overall, the world will be a better place for all of us when we invest in the lives of other through the "education for all" principle. The new collaborative and multi-dimensional relationship being cultivated between Houston Community College-Northeast Energy Institute, Thurgood Marshall High School Electronic Engineering Academy and Rivers State Polytechnic through the Water Reservoir Project is another good example of "education for all" principle at work.

How many patients will this hospital serve?

This facility, when completed, will have approximately 100 inpatient beds. Given the immense healthcare burden in this area of Nigeria, it cannot be expected to meet all the healthcare needs but will be a definite step in the right direction to alleviating the present lack of care and human suffering.

What can people do to help in this project?

Although work has started on the hospital project, lack of funds is seriously hampering its timely completion. Help from professional builders (architects, engineers, building contractors) are also needed to make the facility world class. Upon completion of the physical structure, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment as well as volunteer healthcare professionals will also be needed to enable the project fulfill its mission.

Through a collaborative relationship between the Houston Community College-Northeast Energy Institute (under the leadership of Prof. John Galiotos), the Thurgood Marshall High School Electronic Engineering Academy, and the Rivers State Polytechnic (under the leadership of the Rector, Prof. B. B. Fakae), a Water Reservoir Project for the facility is been planned. Here again, individuals or corporate entities can partner with any of these fine institutions to provide needed tools, equipment, support, and professional services. Simply stated, I believe that Together we Each Achieve More in the fight for better healthcare services and that's my TEAM motto.

Students and lead teacher Homer Stewart at the Electronic Engineering Academy of Thurgood Marshall HS will be traveling to Nigeria to serve with Dr.G as he promotes good health care while he is there. The students will have an opportunity to complete an engineering project they have work on in the Fort Bend School and will witness first hand what education can do for America's youth, as well as learn about the true hardships that human beings suffer when education is lacking. I was privileged to meet some of the students at the school. They were most impressive, courteous, and were so looking forward to the trip to Nigeria.We wish them continued success with their hope for a bright future.

Thank you Dr.G

Contact information:

G. Gbaanador, MD, FACS, FICS
8449 W. Bellfort Suite 150
Houston, Texas 77071
713-541-9886
www.acmmi.org
goltoms@yahoo.com

Professor John K. Galiotos
Chair of the Houston Community College-Northeast Energy Institute
Houston Community College-Northeast
555 Community College Drive
Houston, Texas 77013
john.galiotos@hccs.edu

Homer Stewart
Thurgood Marshall High School
Electronic Engineering Academy
1220 Buffalo Run
Missouri City, Texas 77489
281-634-6641
www.tmhseeacademy.com
homer.stewart@fortbend.k12.tx.us