Strengthening Healthcare. Supporting Patients. Building the Future.
The UNTH Foundation supports the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital through patient assistance, sustainable healthcare funding, infrastructure, research, professional development and strategic partnerships.
An independent charity dedicated to UNTH
The UNTH Foundation is an independent, non-profit and apolitical organisation established in Nigeria in December 2021 and incorporated in the United States in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) charity organisation. It supports the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, through comprehensive healthcare initiatives.
The Foundation mobilises funding, medical equipment and training opportunities to empower healthcare professionals and support indigent patients, and invests in research, policy advocacy and healthcare entrepreneurship to drive innovation and systemic change.
The Foundation is a separate legal entity from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. It is governed by its own Board of Trustees and manages its own giving, campaigns and volunteer programmes through the official Foundation website.
Removing the barriers that stand between patients and care
Many patients who arrive at UNTH are medically indigent and cannot meet the cost of their treatment. That reality delays discharges, restricts bed availability and limits how many patients the hospital can help.
Hospital infrastructure, wards and equipment require continuous investment if a tertiary referral centre is to deliver modern diagnostics and treatment at scale.
Sustainable healthcare funding, research and workforce development make improvement permanent rather than occasional. The Foundation exists to help UNTH expand accessible, affordable and high-quality care.
Supporting UNTH Where It Matters Most
Patient Support
Support for indigent and financially vulnerable patients who would otherwise struggle to begin or complete necessary treatment, through the Indigent Patient Fund and related programmes.
Infrastructure and Equipment
Mobilising resources for wards, facilities, hospital furniture and essential diagnostic and treatment equipment, so the care environment matches the standard of care.
Research and Innovation
Research funding, policy advocacy and healthcare entrepreneurship intended to drive innovation and systemic change in healthcare delivery.
Healthcare Workforce Development
Training and professional development opportunities that strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals serving patients at UNTH.
Community Health
Community outreach, health education and awareness activities carried out with local communities around Ituku-Ozalla and beyond.
Partnerships
Collective action with individuals, organisations, corporate partners and government to achieve shared healthcare goals.
Progress reported by the Foundation
Support for indigent patients
Assistance towards hospital bills and treatment for patients facing financial hardship, including the Health for Hope programme.
Ward and facility improvement
Adoption and upgrading of hospital wards, including the commissioning of the upgraded Female Surgical Ward.
Sanitation, hygiene and outreach
Community health, hygiene and health education activities with schools and communities around the hospital.
Partnerships and donations in kind
Collaborations with organisations and donors contributing equipment, supplies and programme support.
Impact is described qualitatively here. Verified figures published by the Foundation can be added to this section once confirmed.
Helping Patients Access the Care They Need
No patient should be left behind because of financial constraints. Through the Indigent Patient Fund and partner sponsorships, the Foundation helps patients who cannot meet the cost of investigations, surgery, medicines or admission, so that treatment can start and be completed. This work sits alongside UNTH's own patient-centred mission and its commitment to dignity and equity in care.
Designating your gift
Gifts may be directed to the General Fund, the Indigent Patient Fund, the Aku Ruo Uno Endowment Fund, the Medical Equipment Fund or a specific programme such as Ward Adoption. Designation and payment instructions are published and maintained by the Foundation.
Ways to GiveAku Ruo Uno Endowment Fund
The Aku Ruo Uno Endowment Fund is the Foundation's instrument for sustainable, long-term financial support. It is intended to fund healthcare services, research, infrastructure, training and other Foundation-designated initiatives supporting UNTH and broader healthcare objectives, creating lasting impact rather than short-term fixes.
The Endowment Fund's structure, designation options and payment arrangements are defined and maintained by the UNTH Foundation.
How individuals and organisations can help
- Individual giving to the General Fund
- Indigent Patient Fund
- Aku Ruo Uno Endowment Fund
- Medical Equipment Fund
- Ward and facility adoption
- Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
- Planned giving and bequests
- In-kind donations of equipment and supplies
- Professional services and expertise
- Volunteering
Payment and bank details are published only on the official Foundation website so that donation instructions remain controlled and current.
Support the Transformation of UNTH Facilities
Individuals, families, organisations and corporate partners may support approved facility and ward improvement initiatives at UNTH through the Foundation's Ward Adoption Programme. Adopted wards are refurbished and re-equipped, then commissioned back into clinical service.
UNTH Foundation Updates
- Ward adoption
Commissioning of the adopted and upgraded Female Surgical Ward (Ward 9)
Read on the Foundation website - Patient support
Health for Hope 3.0 launched to expand healthcare access for indigent patients
Read on the Foundation website - Community health
Menstrual Hygiene Day outreach at Ozalla High School
Read on the Foundation website
Foundation Leadership
The Foundation is guided by a Board of Trustees chaired by former Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Sullivan I. Chime CON, with day to day leadership provided by the Chief Executive Officer.
Distinct from UNTH governance
The Foundation's trustees and officers are separate from the hospital's Board of Management and management team.
UNTH leadershipContact the UNTH Foundation
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla
Enugu 402109, Nigeria
+234 806 826 5187Foundation enquiries only, not a hospital emergency line.
In a medical emergency
For urgent clinical help, contact the hospital's Accident and Emergency service directly. Foundation contact lines are for giving and partnership enquiries.
Emergency care at UNTH