The Shisong Cardiac Center in Cameroon: An Example of a Long-Term Collaboration/Cooperation Toward Autonomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Global Health
• Surgical Development

Background:

• Congenital heart diseases (CHD) affect nearly 1% of live births globally, with millions of children lacking access to essential cardiac surgery.
• Developing countries face critical challenges in providing timely and effective treatment for CHD, leading to preventable deaths.
• Cameroon exemplifies the need for advanced medical infrastructure, particularly in specialized surgical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the 17-year collaborative effort to establish the first pediatric cardiac surgery center in Cameroon.
• To identify constructive and problematic aspects of this long-term international cooperation project.
• To propose solutions for critical issues encountered in developing sustainable autonomous healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A long-term collaboration model involving a stable local partner (Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis) and substantial financial investment.
• A 17-year developmental period focused on building capacity and infrastructure for pediatric cardiac surgery.
• Analysis of project outcomes, challenges, and sustainability strategies.

Main Results:

• The project established the first cardiac surgery center in Cameroon through a decade-long development process.
• Significant progress has been made over 17 years, though substantial challenges remain.
• The chosen model, while difficult, offers the greatest potential for long-term success and autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Long-term, stable partnerships are crucial for establishing complex surgical services in resource-limited settings.
• Sustainable pediatric cardiac surgery requires significant financial commitment and a phased developmental approach.
• Continuous assessment and adaptation are necessary to overcome challenges and ensure the long-term viability of such initiatives.