Our Newest Cardiac Initiative: India (Part II)
In India, the need for cardiac care for children is almost overwhelming. Congenital heart disease is responsible for 28 percent of all congenital birth defects, making it the most common congenital disorder. According to a report by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), approximately one-fifth of the over 200,000 born with congenital heart disease require an intervention to survive their first year of life. Around 80,000 children die in India every year because of heart defects. You can see why we were so anxious to get started helping children through our special new partnership with Amrita Hospital.
Read MoreOur Newest Cardiac Initiative: India (Part I)
In India, over 200,000 children are born each year with congenital heart defects. More than 70,000 of those children need intervention during their first year of life. A majority of families in India make just enough money to survive from day to day. So, when a child is born with a heart defect and the family learns of the cost of the required surgery, imagine the devastation and heartache felt when that sum is unattainable. Money should never be the reason that a child does not get a chance at life.
Read MoreFive Little Heart Patients Travel from Uganda to India
Yesterday, five little Uganda heart patients boarded a plane and traveled to India to prepare for life-saving cardiac surgeries that are unavailable to them in their home country. Their parents have spent the past few months gathering medical reports, passports, visas, and taking COVID tests. We hope you’ll follow along with us for the next few weeks as we get to know these heart warriors and their stories.
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