National Heart Hospital records 136 successful open-heart…

The National Heart Hospital (NHH) has successfully conducted 136 open-heart surgeries, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen specialised cardiac care in the country. Of the surgeries performed, 81 were conducted on adults while 55 were on children. The media reports that speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, NHH Senior Medical Superintendent Chabwela Shumba says the achievement has been made possible through various initiatives, including the Bilateral Adult Open-Heart Surgery Mission Camp 2026.

Dr Shumba explained that the programme has particularly focused on treating patients suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), which remains one of the leading causes of death among young adults in Zambia. He noted that in the past, most open heart surgeries were conducted outside the country, but the situation has now changed as the National Heart Hospital continues to build local capacity. “Open-heart surgeries were mostly done outside the country, but today the narrative has changed,” he said.

Dr Shumba further revealed that the hospital is currently hosting a team of surgeons from the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, who have supported the local team in providing life saving surgeries to patients suffering from severe rheumatic heart disease. He disclosed that the visiting team has attended to 10 patients, with nine already undergoing successful surgeries and currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dr Shumba added that the hospital is targeting to conduct at least 150 adult open-heart surgeries in 2026 as part of efforts to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting life-saving surgical treatment.

[paywall]

Meanwhile, University of Michigan Cardiac Surgeon Nicholas Teman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support cardiac care services in Zambia, describing the collaboration as important in saving lives. And two patients who recently underwent surgery have expressed gratitude to the medical team for the successful procedures. Jerry Phiri said he had been experiencing severe pain prior to the operation but is now recovering well. Another patient, Imasiku Mangala from Western Province, said she is relieved after the surgery as she is no longer experiencing pain and is now able to sleep peacefully.

[/paywall]