Qatar Charity undertakes cardiac lifesaving campaign for congenital heart disease in Ghana

Qatar Charity has successfully completed its annual cardiac campaign, providing life-saving interventions to children suffering from congenital heart disease in Ghana. The week-long project treated 42 children with various cardiac defects, marking a significant achievement in pediatric healthcare.

The campaign was a collaborative effort between Qatar Charity’s Little Hearts Medical Practice, led by Professor Nana-Akyaa Yao, and The University of Ghana Medical Centre.

This partnership aimed to address cardiac problems using internationally recognized standards, employing minimally invasive procedures, and building local medical capacity.

The medical team conducted life-saving cardiac catheterizations with advanced, minimally invasive techniques. The first two days of the campaign, which fell on a weekend, were dedicated to extensive screenings of children with cardiac problems to identify suitable candidates for the procedures.

Over the following four days, 10 to 11 procedures were carried out daily, with the medical team ensuring that each operation was conducted with the utmost care, prioritizing the well-being of each child.

One particularly moving story from the campaign involved the daughter of Hajji Hamza. Initially, the medical team discovered that the necessary medical device for her procedure was not available, leading to diminished hopes for her family.

However, recognizing the urgency of the situation, Qatar Charity swiftly arranged for the procurement and delivery of the device from outside Ghana, enabling the medical team to successfully perform the procedure.

"It's a miracle that things came into place to allow for my daughter to have a cure," Hajji Hamza expressed with profound gratitude.

The impact of the campaign extended beyond the families of the treated children. Professor Nana-Akyaa Yao, the lead local pediatric cardiologist, expressed deep appreciation for Qatar Charity’s continued support. She highlighted that the project is not only transforming skills but also building capacity and empowering local healthcare professionals, which will have long-term benefits for Ghana's healthcare system.

"Forty-two children with heart problems have had their problems solved, and 42 families are happier," she remarked.

Mr. Khalid Abdulla Alyafei, Director of the Donor Relations Department, praised the dedication of the medical and operational teams. He emphasized that it has been an honor to witness the exceptional work being done through the Lifesaving Cardiac Campaign for Congenital Heart Diseases in Ghana, and reaffirmed Qatar Charity's commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of those in need.