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.

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