Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWEAN and Egyptian heart specialists have partnered for a second round of paediatric open-heart surgeries for children affected by heart diseases, to be conducted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare this Monday.
The second phase of corrective surgery for children born with heart conditions will run throughout the week.
Cardiac specialists are providing these lifesaving interventions, building on the successful outcomes of the first phase. The initiative is aimed at transforming the lives of children suffering from congenital and acquired heart defects.
On Sunday, children underwent screening in preparation for the procedures, with parents expressing deep gratitude and renewed hope.
“We first noticed that our child had difficulties breathing, especially when it was time to sleep, so when we heard about this programme, we decided to come, and we hope that after this surgery, our child will have a normal life,” Mr and Mrs Chidzvondo said.
“My journey has been long. My child started fainting, and when we took her to the doctors, they realised she had a heart problem. She has been having stunted growth, and I hope with this surgery she will live a whole life like a normal child,” another parent, Ms Vimbainashe Chakanun,gwa explained.
The medical mission will look at children with a variety of heart conditions, including heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.
“Today was mainly a day for screening patients in preparation for surgeries starting tomorrow. We are looking at children aged from six months to 10 years with congenital and some acquired heart diseases. We hope to operate on at least 10 children over the next five days,” Paediatric Cardiologist Specialist, Dr Davidzo Murigo Shumba noted.
“It is the second camp with our colleagues from Egypt. The goal is that in about four years, we will be operating independently. This collaboration is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s pediatric heart care,” Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, DR Simukayi Machawira added.
We are not just fixing hearts, we are changing lives. These children will be able to play, learn, and grow like their peers. It is both a physical and psychological transformation,” Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Professor Hesham Shawky added.
The medical mission will look at children with a variety of heart conditions, including heart valve problems and congenital heart defects.
“Our first mission was over 25 years ago. One of the children we sent for surgery is now a doctor. Last year we operated on 10 children, all are doing very well today,” Past President of Rotary Club of Harare Central, Dr Ndakaripa Hungwe said.
“There is no public option for children with heart ailments in Zimbabwe. We need local teams to be trained and supported to care for their own. And this is one such cause,” Chief Executive Officer for Gift of Life International, Mr Rob Raylman noted.
The surgeries are expected to dramatically improve the quality of life for children who would otherwise face shortened lives or remain dependent on chronic medication.
