Qatar Charity Mission Changing Lives in Ghana

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

Map of Ghana

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024. Qatar Charity has made a remarkable impact on pediatric healthcare in Ghana through its annual cardiac campaign, providing life-saving interventions for children suffering from congenital heart disease. This year, the week-long project successfully treated 42 children with various cardiac defects, showcasing a significant achievement in the fight against this critical health issue.

The campaign was a collaborative effort between Little Hearts Medical Practice, in Accra, Ghana, led locally by Professor Nana-Akyaa Yao, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre. This partnership aimed to address cardiac problems using internationally recognized standards, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures while simultaneously building local medical capacity.

The medical team executed life-saving cardiac catheterizations using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. The first two days of the campaign were dedicated to comprehensive screenings, identifying suitable candidates for the necessary procedures. Over the following four days, 10 to 11 procedures were performed daily, with the medical team prioritizing the well-being and care of each child throughout the process.

One particularly poignant story emerged from the campaign involving the daughter of Hajji Hamza. Initially, the medical team discovered that the required medical device for her procedure was not available, which dampened hopes for her family.

However, Qatar Charity recognized the urgency of the situation and quickly arranged for the procurement and delivery of the device from abroad. This swift action enabled the medical team to successfully perform the life-saving procedure. “It’s a miracle that things came into place to allow for my daughter to have a cure,” Hajji Hamza expressed with deep gratitude.

The impact of this campaign extended far beyond the children treated. Professor Nana-Akyaa Yao noted her appreciation for Qatar Charity’s ongoing support, stating that the project not only transformed individual lives but also empowered local healthcare professionals. This collaboration will yield long-term benefits for Ghana’s healthcare system. “Forty-two children with heart problems have had their problems solved, and 42 families are happier,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

Dr. Khalid Abdulla Alyafei, Director of the Donor Relations Department at Qatar Charity, praised the dedication of both the medical and operational teams involved in the campaign. He emphasized the honor of witnessing the exceptional work being conducted and reaffirmed Qatar Charity’s commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Qatar Charity's annual cardiac campaign has not only provided vital medical care to children in Ghana but has also fostered a spirit of collaboration and empowerment within the local healthcare system. As the campaign concludes, the smiles of the treated children and the gratitude of their families serve as a testament to the significant difference that targeted humanitarian efforts can make in the world.

Sources: Ghana News Agency and Qatar Charity News Release

Related: Cardiovascular diseases and heart attack in Africa 

Published: AUGUST 19, 2024

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