Original Article
The role of diaspora and non-governmental organization in helping Sudanese children with congenital heart diseases: 6 years’ paediatric cardiac surgery camps experience
Abstract
Background: Sudan one of the largest countries in Africa. In recent survey by Sudan Ministry of Health, congenital heart disease (CHD) was found to be one of the top eight diseases that lead to death of children in Sudan. The cost of surgical operation, follow up and diagnosis are expensive and this may result some children present with complications. The aim of this study is to assess the role of diaspora and non-governmental organization (NGO) in helping Sudanese children with CHD.
Methods: We assess the 6 years’ experience in charitable initiative established by Sudanese consultant pediatric intensivist and cardiologist working in Doha, Qatar in partnership with NGO in Gulf countries and Sudan. Examples of these organizations were Patient Helping Fund (PHF) the largest medical charity in Sudan, Eid Althani charity association in Qatar with collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH), Ministry of Health in Khartoum and Gazira states. We established the program of providing suitable care for in need children.
Result: A total of 104 out of the 222 complex defects were considered for surgery, 118 underwent cardiac catheter interventions. The 30-days post-operative mortality was 14/222 (6.3%). The most essential post-surgical complications were postpericardiotomy syndrome, bleeding, and sepsis. Malnutrition poor socioeconomic status is significant factors negatively impact the outcomes. All surviving patients (n=208) remain in good clinical condition, and most are asymptomatic without any medications.
Conclusions: The collaboration of Sudanese pediatrician living outside Sudan with local and international NGOs can significantly improve child health in Sudan.
Methods: We assess the 6 years’ experience in charitable initiative established by Sudanese consultant pediatric intensivist and cardiologist working in Doha, Qatar in partnership with NGO in Gulf countries and Sudan. Examples of these organizations were Patient Helping Fund (PHF) the largest medical charity in Sudan, Eid Althani charity association in Qatar with collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH), Ministry of Health in Khartoum and Gazira states. We established the program of providing suitable care for in need children.
Result: A total of 104 out of the 222 complex defects were considered for surgery, 118 underwent cardiac catheter interventions. The 30-days post-operative mortality was 14/222 (6.3%). The most essential post-surgical complications were postpericardiotomy syndrome, bleeding, and sepsis. Malnutrition poor socioeconomic status is significant factors negatively impact the outcomes. All surviving patients (n=208) remain in good clinical condition, and most are asymptomatic without any medications.
Conclusions: The collaboration of Sudanese pediatrician living outside Sudan with local and international NGOs can significantly improve child health in Sudan.
