Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
OPEN heart surgeries for children resumed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals this Monday, with 12 paediatric patients set to undergo corrective procedures over the next six days.
The development marks the latest phase of a specialised cardiac intervention programme targeting children with congenital heart conditions.
The surgeries are being performed by a combined team of local and visiting Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons, with support from the government and international partners.
ZBC News visited the paediatric ward and spoke to some of the mothers whose children were selected for the procedures.
“I came here because my child has a heart problem. We discovered that when she was three years old, she is now five years and 11 months old. She has been having difficulties in walking and would run out of breath quickly, so now, thanks to this programme, she is scheduled to undergo an operation tomorrow, and I am praying that it will go well,” a parent, Mrs Dadirai Ndawala Masiiwa said.
“Early this year, my child was diagnosed with a heart problem they said he has a hole in his heart and right now as we speak he is in theatre getting operated on,” another parent Ms Chipo Maremera explained.
“My daughter was diagnosed with a heart problem in 2023 she is now three years old. Right now we are waiting to get into the theatre, and we hope she will come out okay because her health has been deteriorating and she hasn’t been gaining weight,” a parent Vimbainashe Chakanungwa said.
Behind each child is a story of struggle, but also of hope, a chance at a healthier future through this critical intervention.
Last year’s surgical camp saw 10 children successfully operated on, with a 100 percent success rate.
This year’s programme builds on that momentum, with all surgeries offered free of charge, easing the burden on families and improving access to specialist paediatric care.
