UHI Successfully Concludes 5th Closed Heart Surgical Camp in Jinja through our ongoing mission to decentralize heart Care Across Uganda
The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) has successfully concluded its 5th Closed Heart Surgical Camp, and the second to be held at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH), marking a significant milestone in the decentralization of specialized heart care across Uganda.
This week-long camp, which began with patient screening and surgical preparation on Sunday, brought together a multidisciplinary team from UHI and the regional hospital. A total of 12 children with congenital heart defects were identified, screened and all of them successfully received life-saving surgeries.
All surgeries were performed completely free of charge, made possible by the support of the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health. This reflects the government’s strong commitment to equitable access to specialized healthcare services for all Ugandans, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
Sustaining the Momentum
Since the inception of UHI’s regional surgical outreach initiative in October 2023, camps have been successfully held in Mbarara, Jinja, Lira, and now Jinja again, reaching more than two scores of children with limited access to heart interventions. The growing success of these camps continues to reaffirm our belief that every Ugandan child deserves timely, high-quality cardiac care, no matter where they live.
The camp was further enriched by the return of several children who underwent surgery in last year’s inaugural camp in Jinja. Their radiant health and emotional testimonies stood as living proof of the lasting impact of these interventions.
Addressing a Common But Dangerous Defect: PDA
The focus of this camp was on treating Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), one of the most common congenital heart defects in children. If left untreated, PDA can lead to heart failure, stunted growth, frequent infections, and even death. The surgical correction provided by UHI is far more than a medical procedure, it is a transformative intervention that restores hope, health, and opportunity to children and their families.
The Bigger Picture: Fighting the NCD Burden
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, claiming more than 20 million lives each year. In Uganda, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for over 10% of all deaths, with heart disease topping the list. An estimated 16,000 children are born annually in Uganda with congenital heart defects, yet the majority lack access to timely diagnosis and intervention.
UHI is committed to addressing this growing burden through decentralization, and these surgical camps represent more than just patient care, they are platforms for skills transfer, capacity building, and strengthening regional partnerships. In Jinja, UHI worked side by side with local clinicians to enhance skills and build a stronger foundation for future cardiac services.
Ongoing Challenges and a Vision for the Future
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Many regional hospitals lack essential cardiac equipment, trained personnel, and adequate post-operative care infrastructure. These constraints limit the number of patients that can be treated during each camp and slow down the scaling of services.
To bridge these gaps, the Government of Uganda, with support from the Ministry of Finance, has invested USD 70 million in the construction of a 250-bed super-specialized cardiac hospital in Naguru. This facility, now under construction, will significantly enhance Uganda’s capacity to deliver world-class cardiac care to patients from across the region.
In addition, efforts to establish regional cardiac centers are gaining momentum. Notably, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital has already allocated two acres of land to support a future cardiac center serving the Busoga sub-region.
A Collective Effort
This milestone would not have been possible without the collective effort and collaboration of many. The Uganda Heart Institute extends its sincere appreciation to:
- The Government of Uganda
- Ministry of Health
- UHI Board of Directors
- Management and staff of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital
- The UHI clinical team
The media, for amplifying the message of heart health across Uganda
