#Israel #Save a Child's Heart #Pediatric Cardiac Care #Lusaka Zambia #Lusaka

Transforming Pediatric Cardiac Care in Zambia

From December 16 to 20, 2024, Save a Child's Heart (SACH), an Israeli humanitarian organization, is undertaking a significant medical mission in Lusaka, Zambia. This initiative aims to provide life-saving surgical interventions and training to local healthcare professionals, addressing the critical need for pediatric cardiac care in the region.

Collaborative Efforts

The mission gathers an international team of medical experts from Israel, Tanzania, and Zambia, comprising cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU specialists, technicians, and nurses. The collaboration involves renowned institutions, including Israel’s Wolfson Medical Center (WMC), Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), and Zambia’s National Heart Hospital (NHH). Together, they will conduct life-saving surgeries for 25 children suffering from congenital heart defects.

Leading this impactful mission are Dr. Godwin Godfrey Sharau from Tanzania and Dr. Mudaniso Kumani Ziwa from Zambia. Their expertise reflects the comprehensive training and knowledge they have acquired from Save a Child's Heart in Israel over the years. Dr. Lior Sasson, the Director of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at WMC, will also be present; he has spent the last 15 years training both doctors, observing their efforts to save the lives of vulnerable children.

Advanced Medical Procedures

The mission does not solely focus on open-heart surgeries; a specialized team is set to conduct catheterization procedures as well. This minimally invasive technique allows for the treatment of heart defects without the need for open-heart surgery, offering a higher degree of safety and quicker recovery for young patients. To facilitate these advanced interventions, Save a Child's Heart will provide essential medical supplies and equipment, including a portable echocardiography machine that will be instrumental in the operating room and catheterization lab.

Long-Term Impact

Save a Child's Heart has been actively collaborating with Zambia’s Ministry of Health since 2017, significantly improving pediatric cardiac care capabilities in the country. Their partnership has successfully treated over 100 Zambian children and provided valuable training to local healthcare professionals in complex cardiac procedures. In addition, 10 nurses have received specialized training in Tanzania, further strengthening the healthcare framework within Zambia.

Dr. Chabwela Shumba, Senior Medical Superintendent at NHH, expressed gratitude for the support received from the international team, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange in bolstering the health of Zambian children. He emphasized the role of ongoing collaboration in advancing pediatric cardiac care standards in Zambia and beyond.

Dr. Mudaniso Kumani Ziwa voiced his pride in working alongside the experienced teams, stating that the resources and training from Save a Child's Heart have empowered them to provide top-notch medical care. He pointed out, “This mission lays the foundation for a brighter future for many families and strengthens our center's goal of achieving excellence in pediatric cardiac health.”

Dr. Godwin Godfrey Sharau, who initiated Tanzania’s first pediatric cardiac program, stressed the mission's importance in addressing treatable heart conditions in Africa. He conveyed hope through this project, saying it would significantly alleviate the suffering of children needing care they might otherwise not receive.

Dr. Lior Sasson remarked on the rewarding experience of witnessing trained professionals from his institute leading critical missions across international borders. He noted that through their specialized training at WMC, these doctors have become catalysts for change, ensuring sustainable cardiac care initiatives in their respective countries.

Ambassador Ofra Farhi, Israel's envoy to Zambia, noted this mission as a prime example of international co-operation in humanitarian efforts. The collaboration underscores Israel's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and expertise exchange as a means to benefit children and families in Zambia and elsewhere directly.

About Save a Child's Heart

Founded in 1995 at Wolfson Medical Center, Save a Child's Heart has dedicated itself to saving the lives of children from nations lacking adequate pediatric cardiac care. The organization has treated over 7,000 children from 70 countries and has trained more than 150 local professionals in the skills necessary for independent cardiac care delivery in their communities.

With a commitment to Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—Save a Child’s Heart operates under the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves high-quality medical care. Their continued efforts have not only made headlines but have also drawn global recognition, including the UN's Population Award in 2018 for their transformative role in pediatric cardiac health across Africa.