Copyright 2024 – Foundation for Cardiovascular Care in Africa
Children and young adults are hardest hit by this lack of care, as they are the populations most affected by heart disease in low-income countries. They suffer mainly from congenital heart disease, and from rheumatic heart disease caused by untreated strep throat.
Many live with heart failure for years, too disabled to attend school or help their families with work at home. Many die young.
Thousands of these early deaths could be prevented. Today, treatment strategies exist that make cardiac care both accessible and affordable in developing countries. The will and expertise from developed countries are currently lacking, and fulfilling this need will help colleagues in Africa to begin this care and save countless lives.
We save lives by developing comprehensive heart programs in Africa, particularly for children and young adults living in poverty. We also join governments and global health leaders to advocate for measures that prevent rheumatic heart disease in children.
We support the development of plans to build, equip and operate cardiovascular facilities, including those required for patients who need complex treatment, such as open-heart surgery or treatment in a cath lab. We also support training for hospital administrators, allowing them to lead these cardiac centers at a professional level and plan for the future expansion of programs and facilities.
Copyright 2024 – Foundation for Cardiovascular Care in Africa