This month, Save a Child's Heart was deeply honoured to receive warm recognition from the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia — a powerful reminder of the impact of our work over the past 30 years.
From day one, the goal has been to build a sustainable system where local doctors have the training and autonomy to save lives within their own communities. This mission was a true reflection of that vision. Seeing Ethiopian surgeons — mentored by Save a Child's Heart over many years — step forward to lead the mission was the ultimate proof that this model works.
Despite original plans being disrupted due to the war in Israel, the mission in Addis Ababa moved forward with strength and determination. While the Israeli team remained at Wolfson Medical Center to support their community, their expertise and years of training were deeply present in the operating rooms in Ethiopia.
The surgeries were led by former SACH fellows Dr. Fitsum Argaw and Dr. Yayu Mekonen, with Dr. Habtamu Sime overseeing care in the ICU, alongside Samson Adera in anaesthesia — a fully empowered local team delivering world-class care.
This is what sustainable healthcare looks like. It is not just about delivering life-saving procedures, but about years of education, mentorship, and partnership that enable local teams to lead independently — even in times of global uncertainty.
These were the first of 15 children scheduled to receive life-saving treatment this week. Their healthy hearts are a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we invest in people, build capacity, and create a legacy that continues to save lives — no matter the circumstances.
Read the press release from the Embassy of Israel in Ethiopia
