New Heart-Lung Machine to Boost Children's Cardiac Care

Children in need of life-saving heart surgery are set to benefit from improved treatment following the inauguration of a new heart-lung machine at the National Heart Hospital.

The Ministry of Health said the equipment will significantly strengthen Zambia's capacity to deliver specialised cardiac care for young patients, with the ability to support two open-heart surgeries at the same time.

The machine was made possible through a longstanding partnership between the National Heart Hospital, Save a Child's Heart (SACH) and the American Jewish Committee. Since the establishment of the paediatric cardiac unit, some 60 patients have undergone successful surgery, including 30 children.

According to the Ministry, the milestone reflects the impact of a decade-long collaboration between the Government and Save a Child's Heart, built on a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children living with congenital and acquired heart disease.

Beyond the new heart-lung machine, the partnership has also delivered a GE Echo machine, a ScaLan cardiac instrument set and essential cardiac consumables, bringing SACH's total investment in Zambia to approximately US$3 million.

The Ministry of Health said it remains committed to strengthening specialised healthcare services through strategic partnerships that widen access to quality care and build a more resilient health system.

It further thanked Save a Child's Heart, the American Jewish Committee and all partners for their continued support in transforming paediatric cardiac care across the country, describing their contribution as a vital step towards ensuring every Zambian child has access to the treatment they deserve.