Global Heartcare Foundation Conducts Cardiac Surgery Mission in Ethiopia: February 2025
Cardiac Specialists in Ethiopia Operating Room
A team of cardiac specialists from the USA and from the NH Institute of Cardiac Sciences in Bangalore, India, recently embarked on a life-changing cardiac surgery mission at the Cardiac Center of the Children’s Heart Fund in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Led by cardiac surgeon Dr. Vibhu R. Kshettry, the mission aimed to provide life-saving surgeries for children and teenagers with congenital heart defects and heart valve conditions. All medical supplies for open heart surgeries were donated by the foundation. However, it was not only focused on surgery but also on building the long-term capacity of Ethiopia's healthcare system through education and training. Since 2013,Global Heartcare foundation has trained first Ethiopian team of 9 cardiac specialist
Empowering Ethiopian Cardiac Professionals Through Education and Training
While performing surgeries, the mission placed a significant emphasis on the education and training of local healthcare professionals. This was done to equip Ethiopian cardiac surgeons, residents, and trainees with the latest techniques and best practices in diagnosing, treating, and performing cardiac surgeries.
Key Focus Areas of Training:
Advanced Surgical Techniques: The team demonstrated complex surgical procedures for treating congenital heart defects and heart valve conditions. Through hands-on teaching and mentoring, they aimed to enhance the local surgeons' skills, ensuring they can independently perform these crucial surgeries in the future.
Preoperative and Postoperative Care: Special attention was given to improving preoperative assessment methods and postoperative care strategies. The team educated local professionals on how to monitor patients effectively, manage potential complications, and focus on rehabilitation to improve long-term recovery and patient outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The importance of seamless teamwork between surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff was emphasized. The training fostered collaboration across disciplines to ensure a coordinated, efficient approach to patient care, which is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
Building Capacity in Local Institutions: Beyond individual training, the mission focused on strengthening Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure. By identifying gaps in the existing system, the team worked alongside local cardiac specialists to set goals for developing sustainable cardiac care practices. This will enable Ethiopian professionals to continue providing high-quality care long after the mission ends.
Mentorship and Hands-On Learning
One of the most valuable aspects of the mission was the mentorship provided to local trainees. The visiting specialists allowed Ethiopian healthcare professionals to observe surgeries, participate in procedures, and receive direct feedback. This hands-on experience proved to be an invaluable learning opportunity, boosting the confidence and competence of the local team.