Reported by: S.Ernest.
Date: 30th January, 2025.
Choongwe, Lusaka.
The National Heart Hospital (NHH) has commenced its first-ever Unilateral Pediatric Open-Heart Surgery Camp, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of children in need of life-saving heart procedures.
Led by a dedicated team of Zambian doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, the camp seeks to provide urgent surgical interventions for children born with congenital heart defects. Zambia records approximately 6,000 cases of congenital heart disease annually, many of which require surgical correction.
While NHH has previously collaborated with international partners to conduct similar camps, this initiative marks a significant milestone as it is fully led by local medical experts.
As of the morning of January 30, 2025, seven children have successfully undergone surgery, with an additional four scheduled for procedures by January 31, 2025—bringing the total to eleven beneficiaries in this initial phase.
During a visit to the hospital, Permanent Secretary (Technical) at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, commended the medical team for their dedication and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting such critical healthcare initiatives.
This effort aligns with the New Dawn Government’s broader healthcare agenda, prioritizing pediatric cardiac care as a fundamental step in safeguarding the health and future of Zambia’s next generation.
Picture Credit: NHH
National Heart Hospital – Zambia
Ministry of Health Zambia
The Agency
