Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect worldwide, and accounts for
a high proportion of the world's infant mortality. About 9 of every 10 babies born
each year are born in areas without adequate access to heart surgery; overcoming this
problem will necessitate addressing the worldwide shortage of an estimated 3,700 pediatric
cardiac surgeons. Establishing sustainable heart surgery programs requires more than
an investment of money: political, social, and cultural issues unique to each environment
need to be addressed. Organizations desiring to help develop cardiac surgical centers
need to focus on communication and bidirectional education, and to make a long-term
commitment to each site. By identifying and addressing obstacles, success rates are
high.
Keywords
congenital heart surgery - developing countries - humanitarian
