The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) recently concluded a highly impactful Closed Heart Surgery Camp at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), marking a significant step in decentralizing cardiovascular care to Uganda’s regional hospitals. This second annual camp, held from October 20 to October 25, 2024, focused on treating children with congenital heart conditions, specifically Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).
Over the course of the week, UHI’s specialized surgical team successfully performed nine closed-heart surgeries, offering life-saving treatment to young patients who might otherwise face severe complications, including heart failure, frequent respiratory infections, delayed growth, and, ultimately, the risk of premature death. Thanks to the surgical team’s expertise, each of these children is now stable and on the road to recovery.
This year’s camp follows last year’s successful PDA surgeries at MRRH, where seven patients were treated and are now thriving. By returning to Mbarara, UHI continues its mission to bring specialized heart care closer to communities, reducing the need for families to bear the financial and logistical burdens of traveling to Kampala for treatment.
ADVANCING DECENTRALIZED HEART CARE AND BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY
UHI’s approach to decentralized care extends beyond treatment; it’s about sustainable development. During the camp, local healthcare professionals were actively involved, gaining essential training and skills in cardiovascular care. UHI worked closely with MRRH’s resident specialists to ensure smooth patient screening, selection, and post-operative care. By transferring knowledge and skills, UHI and MRRH are building a foundation for independent, self-sustaining cardiovascular care in Uganda’s regional hubs.
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital plays a critical role as a healthcare hub for southwestern Uganda, where the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is on the rise. This partnership allows UHI to address the growing demand for specialized heart care in the region, meeting the needs of patients who previously lacked access to these services.
RESPONDING TO UGANDA’S CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH CHALLENGES
The statistics highlight the urgency of UHI’s work. Cardiovascular diseases account for over 10% of all deaths in Uganda, and the country, like many developing nations, faces a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with heart disease as a leading cause. Congenital heart defects, rheumatic heart disease, and hypertension are among the most prevalent conditions. Globally, 1 in 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect, and in Uganda, approximately 16,000 children are born with heart defects each year. Without timely intervention, these conditions can have life-threatening consequences.
Through camps like the one held at MRRH, UHI is taking crucial steps to alleviate the growing cardiovascular disease burden in Uganda. This camp is part of a larger, ongoing initiative. UHI has planned two more Closed Heart Surgery Camps for the current financial year, expanding the program to other regional referral hospitals across the country.
HEART HEALTH AWARENESS
The Uganda Heart Institute extends its deepest gratitude to the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, and the countless partners and stakeholders who supported this camp. Special appreciation goes to the Board of Directors at UHI, whose oversight and guidance were instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
As UHI continues its mission, a strong focus remains on preventive care, early diagnosis, and community education. Empowering communities to prioritize heart health through regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness of heart disease symptoms is essential to building a healthier Uganda.
This successful Closed Heart Surgery Camp is not just a milestone for UHI; it’s a beacon of hope for Ugandan families affected by heart disease and a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, resources, and collaboration.
For more information about Uganda Heart Institute’s upcoming initiatives and efforts to decentralize heart care, please visit our website or follow us on social media : @ugandaheartinstitute
