Last week marked a significant milestone in the Abidjan Heart Institute’s (ICA) efforts to strengthen its capacity to treat all types of heart diseases.

The official announcement was made during a press conference on November 22, 2024, at the ICA. According to Professor Kramoh Kouadio Euloge, Executive Director of the ICA, the collaboration aims to equip local teams with skills that meet international standards. He stated:

“The teams are already trained. That’s why this leading-edge Canadian team has come to support the Abidjan teams, so they can be autonomous and capable of treating all cardiac malformations here in Côte d’Ivoire.”

Throughout the week, a delegation of nine experienced surgeons, cardiologists, and healthcare professionals from Canada participated in intensive activities at the ICA. These included advanced workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and performing life-saving surgeries.

Eighteen children were operated on by the ICA team under the supervision of the Canadian experts. Professor Kramoh emphasized the goal of this collaboration:

“The objective is for Côte d’Ivoire’s teams—particularly those in pediatric cardiac surgery, adult cardiac surgery, and interventional cardiology (those who operate without opening the chest)—to achieve full autonomy.”

Joaquim Miro, a member of the Canadian delegation, highlighted the importance of the partnership, describing it as a bridge between Côte d’Ivoire and Canada that enables the country to treat most congenital heart diseases.

“We’re here to help Ivorians. Every time we assist our Ivorian colleagues in improving their technical skills and outcomes, we’re helping hundreds of people in the future. We leave behind an already excellent structure and a better-trained team,” he stated.

Eva Peled, General Country Manager of Mitrelli, praised Côte d’Ivoire’s remarkable achievements under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara. She underscored the relevance of this initiative, which stems from a partnership involving key stakeholders: the Ministry of Health of Côte d’Ivoire, the Abidjan Heart Institute (ICA), Mitrelli, the Menomadin Foundation, Save A Child’s Heart NGO, The Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital, AFCAO (Association Française du Cœur pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest), and CHU de Nantes.

This initiative reflects a shared vision to establish Côte d’Ivoire as a regional hub for pediatric cardiac care in West Africa, bringing hope to countless families across the subregion.