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Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World: 10-year experience
A Giamberti1, M Mele, M Di Terlizzi
1Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World, Milan, Italy. alegia@hotmail.com
Insights
Thousands of children with correctable congenital heart disease (CHD) lack access to essential surgical care in developing nations. The Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World provides vital support, training, and resources to improve pediatric cardiac surgery outcomes globally.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Millions of children in developing countries suffer from untreated congenital heart disease (CHD).
- Lack of adequate medical and surgical facilities leads to high mortality rates for these children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To support surgical and educational initiatives for children with CHD in underserved regions.
- To improve the management and outcomes of pediatric cardiac patients globally.
Main Methods:
- Facilitating training grants for foreign doctors in specialized cardiac care.
- Conducting medical missions for case evaluation and surgical interventions abroad.
- Donating essential medical equipment and establishing cardiac surgery departments.
Main Results:
- Trained 160 foreign doctors since 1992.
- Evaluated over 2150 cases and performed 404 cardiac operations across 75 missions.
- Secured millions in donated equipment and established two new cardiac surgery centers.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in addressing the global burden of pediatric CHD.
- Enhanced international collaboration and coordination are crucial for future advancements in this field.
Abstract:
Thousands of children live in developing countries with untreated but correctable congenital heart disease (CHD), and most of them will die simple because they live in poor countries that do not have suitable medical/surgical facilities. The aim of the Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World is to support the operatory and teaching activities of a group of voluntary doctors engaged in the management of children with CHD in developing countries. Since 1992, the association has obtained 160 grants for foreign doctors who have been trained in our hospitals; performed 75 missions abroad, with more than 2150 cases evaluated and 404 cardiac operations performed; obtained millions of dollars worth of donated medical equipment; and constructed two cardiac surgery departments in Syria and Cameroon. Many efforts have been made, but much more can be done as we attain more experience and develop better coordination and collaboration between the international groups engaged in this emerging social need.
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