A surgical strike in capacity building for the future of children's cardiology within East-Africa
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It is unknown how many children are born in sub-Saharan Africa with cardiovascular defects every year. The estimate is over 3500. The latest study tackling this subject medically estimates similar number done in 2012 just in the Kenyan republic alone. Statistically by the numbers reported from healthcare providers worldwide, that number could be true. It is estimated that around 1% of the newborn population comes with an inborn defect requiring some sort of cardiology assistance. If we consider that number again and roughly estimate that around 10% of the children would not survive without complicated treatments. Counting that the defect was diagnosed, or observed, the child has a slight chance for recovery.
The situation worsens for any possible positive outcomes, as there is not enough resources and skill at the level of remote regions, whether providing basic general practice medicine. It is certain, that the information and data collected by the project ‘Heart for Kenya’ shines a light on the journey of such an unfortunate child. Where it happened and why.
It is also to mention at this point that most cases of children are coming from low-income, poor economies, and less educated backgrounds. Meaning several things at once;
— 1. Access to education
— 2. The families, coming from levels of poverty
— 3. The families who have the means
— 4. The aging condition of the defect left un-checked
— 5. The skills and knowledge of local healthcare professionals
- 1, access to information regarding medicine and diseases is lacking even in regions with larger populations and developed medical services, such as the south-western part of Kenya called Kisii. It is rare to obtain a testimony of violence and aggression from family or the community against the sick child or their mother, as this holds a stigma and it is shameful for them. Especially when they learned, even at that time of the violent perpetrators trying to harm, or cast…