Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
Zimbabwe’s paediatric cardiac surgery programme continues to make strides, with the 10th child successfully undergoing open-heart surgery at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals under the ongoing cardiothoracic surgical camp.
In an interview with Zim Now, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Simukai Machawira said the programme is growing steadily despite operational challenges.
“We are building on the success of the first camp. Of course, there are many challenges we encounter. Our main limitations are theatre time and intensive care unit space,” he said.
He revealed that plans are underway to establish a dedicated cardiothoracic surgery unit, which will enable daily operations.
“We are working towards building an independent cardiothoracic surgery unit that will allow us to operate every day. The need is great, and although we can't meet it fully yet, we continue to soldier on,” he said.
Dr. Machawira confirmed that all nine previous surgeries conducted during the camp had been successful.
“They have all been extubated, are breathing on their own, talking, and expressing their needs to staff and family. I’m happy to say we’ve done remarkably well,” he said.
He noted that congenital cardiac conditions are the most common heart defects in children, affecting about one in every 100 births.
“In Zimbabwe, approximately 4,500 children are born with heart conditions each year. If untreated, around 30 percent will die before their first birthday. By age two, many will be too ill for surgery to make a meaningful difference,” he explained.
With limited local surgical options, families are often left with expensive alternatives.
“Their choices are limited — they may travel to South Africa, India, or the UK — but that’s only for those who can afford it. Most families cannot. If we empower ourselves locally, we can make a bigger difference,” said Dr. Machawira.
He also highlighted the broader economic burden families face when a child is unwell.
“We often focus on the cost of surgery, but when a child is sick, parents may have to stay home, buy medications, make repeated hospital visits, and sometimes neglect other children. The true cost is far greater,” he said.
Since June 2022, at least 55 heart operations have been performed outside of the camps by the local team — without visiting specialists.
“These surgeries have been done by a locally trained team. While the number is still small, we’re determined to overcome the initial challenges and establish a sustainable, consistent, quality service,” he said.
The surgical camps are part of a national effort to strengthen paediatric cardiac services and reduce reliance on costly treatment abroad.
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