The Challenge of Pediatric Cardiac Services in the Developing World

Children’s heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenging the burden of disease

“…Health expenditure is a large part of the GDP in developed nations, but only a small fraction in African countries, (84,105) keeping most tertiary services out of reach. Many strategies have been tried to improve the situation, but the main question is: How can we accelerate progress?…”

“…There is a growing consensus about the need to work together to build regional centres which themselves can become a resource to surrounding areas and countries through satellite outreaches. (84,85,86,87) Such regional "surgical hubs" could form training and resource bases for surrounding countries, with international aid coordinated at one centre rather than being diluted through multiple small efforts. is directed toward first-world needs for both pharmaceuticals and technology.…”

“…(81) A welcome development in this regard was the adoption, at the these exercises are at best not cost-effective, and at worst a waste of donor money that could have been used for something more sustainable. (23,84,85) NGOs have generally now shifted focus towards building longterm partnerships with recipient sites with a vision to eventually develop autonomous local services. There is a growing consensus about the need to work together to build regional centres which themselves can become a resource to surrounding areas and countries through satellite outreaches.…”

Creating a global climate for pediatric cardiac care

“…This strategy combines both the efforts of bringing children to pediatric cardiac units for advanced care and, also a way to train highly skilled doctors, surgeons, technicians and nurses who can maintain their competency. [10,12] Sustained international support and strong partnership are necessary for the creation and continuation of regional surgical centers. Creating a global climate for pediatric cardiac care…”

Burden of Heart Diseases in Children Attending Cardiology Clinic in a Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda

“…The absence of early diagnosis, surgical intervention and inadequate access to medication coupled with the existing burden of communicable diseases increases the strain on a staggering economy of most sub Saharan countries [4]. Unlike in the developed countries, children with heart disease in LMIC present late with severe complications to hospitals that are inadequately equipped to manage both the simple and complex heart diseases [5][6][7][8]. Over the years, good will organizations have come to aid in providing surgical intervention for the children with heart diseases within and out of their countries [2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”