Paving the Way for Advanced Cardiac Care in East Africa:
The recent launch of the Rapid Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Symposium in Kampala marked a transformative milestone for cardiac diagnostics across East Africa. Hosted by the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala on September 18-19, 2024, the event attracted over 100 participants, including cardiologists, healthcare leaders, and industry stakeholders, all gathering to advance access to cutting-edge cardiac MRI technology in the region.
Symposium Highlights and Key Takeaways:
The symposium was prefaced by a networking dinner on September 17, hosted by the British High Commission, celebrating the UK-Uganda healthcare partnership. This gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders, including radiologists, researchers, policymakers, and private partners, to engage in meaningful discussions around cardiovascular care. The British High Commission’s support underscored the event’s significance and commitment to establishing accessible, high-quality cardiac diagnostics across Uganda and East Africa.
The symposium featured comprehensive sessions, including:
- CMR Lectures for East African Cardiologists on the diagnostic capabilities and clinical applications of CMR.
- Training Programs to initiate a cohort of future CMR Specialists with essential reporting and interpretation skills.
- Live Scanning Sessions using Siemens imaging technology in Kampala, allowing hands-on experience and real-time diagnostic analysis.
- Stakeholder Interaction Forum to discuss advancements and collaborative opportunities in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
The successful attendance and active participation at this symposium mark an exciting new era for cardiac healthcare, setting the stage for routine access to advanced diagnostic services across the region. This initiative, led by Uganda Heart Institute’s Cardiology team and Professor Saidi Mohiddin from Barts Heart Centre, London, holds the potential to benefit over 120 million people across East Africa.
