24 June 2008
We are very excited as the delegation from South Africa to be part of this historic moment in the delivery of health services in Namibia and witness the first open heart surgery in this country. Namibia is now one of the three countries in the continent to conduct open-heart surgery (others being South Africa and Egypt).
Three successful open-heart surgeries have already been conducted here at Windhoek Central Hospital since yesterday on (3) women patients aged 16, 17 and 18 years. A total of eight operations are expected to be conducted by Friday. All the cases are replacement of heart valves, which were diseased through rheumatic fever complications. If not treated, the condition can lead to heart failure, low quality of life and patients are susceptible to infections and various other health problems.
The operations are being conducted by a combined team of health professionals from South Africa and Namibia. South Africa has brought to Windhoek a total of 12 health professionals from Groote Schuur Hospital (made up of cardiologists and cardio thoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre and ICU nurses) and one paediatric cardiac surgeon from Red Cross War Memorial Children`s Hospital.
The aim is to provide expertise assistance while training is being provided to build capacity to conduct these operations in Namibia. Patients requiring referral will be transferred to Cape Town where necessary.
Senior officials from Namibia and South Africa will meet shortly to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries to provide the framework for this project. The project is currently being implemented under SADC health protocol
We are really delighted as South Africa to be part of this great moment for Namibia and to celebrate the day with my colleague the Minister of Health of Namibia, Dr Richard Kamwi. I am also honoured by the invitation extended to me to meet with the President of Namibia, President Hifikepunye Pohamba later today to report on the great milestone we have achieved here.
This initiative emphasizes the importance that the Government of Republic of South Africa attaches to the bilateral relations between the two countries and also for the socio-economic development of our region, SADC and the continent, Africa. The initiative is also in line with the goals of an African Renaissance and a vision of an Africa Agenda as pronounced in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). It is also a realisation of South-South co-operation.
Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
National Minister of Health
For more information contact Sibani Mngadi 082 772 0161