Heart Attack Ethiopia Resumes Critical Medical Missions in Addis Ababa
Heart Attack Ethiopia, a volunteer-driven international cardiac medical team, has resumed its fourth round of operations at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa. This mission, which began on Sunday, marks another significant step in the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide life-saving cardiac care to patients in Ethiopia.
The team consists of over 33 cardiac specialists from various countries, including the United States, Canada, and India. The initiative is led by Dr. Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife, Dr. Obsinet Merid, an Ethiopian-American assistant professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. Together, they co-founded the non-profit organization, which has become a vital resource for addressing the growing demand for cardiac care in the region.
According to Dr. Tesfaye Telila, the team coordinator, this is the fourth mission by the group at Tikur Anbessa. Over the course of their previous three visits, the volunteers successfully performed surgeries on more than 200 cardiac patients. During their current two-week mission, which runs from July 4 to July 19, the team will provide critical care to over 140 patients across Tikur Anbessa, the Ethiopian Heart Center, and St. Peter's Specialized Hospital.
This mission introduces a new dimension to the team’s work: advanced non-surgical treatments. For the first time, the team will implement Transit-OT-catheter procedures with video assistance, in addition to performing traditional surgeries to open blocked vessels and repair damaged heart valves. These innovations are expected to enhance treatment outcomes and expand the range of care available to patients.
Dr. Tesfaye highlighted that the team has brought over $2 million worth of medical equipment and supplies to support the mission. Just six months ago, Heart Attack Ethiopia partnered with local specialists to treat patients on the waiting list at Tikur Anbessa, offering hope to many and significantly reducing the hospital's surgical backlog.
Growing Demand for Cardiac Care in Ethiopia
The need for such interventions is urgent. Last week, the Ethiopian Children's Heart Fund Center revealed that over 7,500 heart patients are currently on its waiting list. This staggering number underscores the immense challenge faced by the healthcare system in addressing the country's growing cardiac care burden.
Dr. Eleazar Haile, the center’s Medical Director, emphasized that more than 2,000 of those waiting are children suffering from congenital heart disease. He stressed the importance of donations in sustaining treatment efforts, especially given the high cost of essential medical supplies—most of which are imported.
Dr. Eleazar explained that many consumable supplies are tailored to each child's weight and are single-use, significantly complicating and increasing the cost of treatment. In addition to pediatric-specific equipment, the center relies on heart valves, surgical machines, life-saving medications, and materials required for procedures involving temporary cardiac arrest.
Call for Public Support
To meet these challenges, the center has appealed for public support. Individuals can contribute by sending donations via 6710, visiting patients individually or in groups, fully or partially sponsoring patients, or donating supplies based on a needs list available from the facility.
The collaboration between international teams like Heart Attack Ethiopia and local institutions represents a crucial effort to bridge the gap in cardiac care access. With continued support and resources, there is hope that more patients will receive the life-changing treatments they urgently need.
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