A cardiology team from UHNM traveled to Ethiopia to improve care for heart patients, collaborating with Heart Attack Ethiopia to provide free services and medical supplies. They performed 83 procedures, including angioplasty, and educated local doctors on treatment methods. The mission aims to build local expertise in cardiac care to combat the high mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by limited resources and infrastructure.
A cardiology team from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has embarked on a mission to Ethiopia to enhance the care provided to patients experiencing heart conditions. Under the auspices of Heart Attack Ethiopia, a U.S.-based charity, Professor Mamas Mamas, an interventional cardiologist, and Suzanne O’Neil, a cardiology nurse, collaborated with global healthcare professionals, offering free medical services and equipment to address cardiovascular diseases.
During their mission, Professor Mamas and Ms. O’Neil focused on sourcing necessary medical supplies and educating local medical practitioners on contemporary interventional procedures. Professor Mamas, who also serves as a Professor of Cardiology at Keele University, underscored the importance of their partnership with Heart Attack Ethiopia, stating that cardiovascular diseases have now eclipsed infectious diseases as the predominant cause of mortality in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, home to 120 million inhabitants, faces a significant shortage of specialized medical professionals, with fewer than ten interventional cardiologists available to treat cardiovascular ailments. Due to inadequate infrastructure and resources, many patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome or heart attacks receive rudimentary care options, leading to elevated mortality rates.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. O’Neil expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Professor Mamas and other healthcare volunteers. During their two-week stay in Addis Ababa, they undertook 83 medical procedures, including crucial procedures like angioplasty, assisting a population with limited access to cardiology services. The team transported medical supplies donated by industry partners to minimize resource consumption in Ethiopia.
Heart Attack Ethiopia organizes bi-annual missions, uniting diverse healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering vital cardiac care at no expense to patients. These initiatives are sustained through generous contributions of medical equipment from various sources, facilitating significant improvements in community health.
Dr. Tesfaye Telila, co-founder of Heart Attack Ethiopia, emphasized their vision of establishing a robust healthcare system by training specialists and developing modern infrastructures. He highlighted that partnerships with prominent global healthcare systems are instrumental in realizing this objective, offering hope and advanced cardiac care to patients across Ethiopia and the broader African continent.
The mission undertaken by the UHNM cardiology team in Ethiopia illustrates a commendable effort to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region. By providing essential medical care and training local healthcare professionals, initiatives like these are vital for improving health outcomes. Continued collaboration among global healthcare entities can foster a sustainable healthcare environment in Ethiopia, bringing much-needed relief to heart patients.
Original Source: www.uhnm.nhs.uk
