At Lira Regional Referral Hospital, hope and healing are unfolding as a five-day Pediatric Closed Heart Surgery Camp is underway, running from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026. The initiative is already transforming young lives and is set to conclude with many more children smiling, healthier, and ready for brighter futures.
In just the first two days Monday and Tuesday,the surgical team has successfully operated on 8 children, carrying out four procedures each day. These steady and encouraging results reflect both the urgency of the need and the efficiency of the expert team on the ground.
The surgeries are being led by a highly experienced pediatric cardiac team from the Uganda Heart Institute, under the leadership of Dr Micheal Oketcho, a Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. They are working in close collaboration with local surgeons at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, headed by Dr Bosco Omongo Ekwan,a partnership that is not only saving lives but also building local capacity.
According to Hospital Director Dr Andrew Odur, the children who have undergone surgery are recovering well and are expected to regain normal function, giving them the opportunity to grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential. He commended the Uganda Heart Institute and the Ministry of Health for bringing such specialized services closer to the Lango region, describing it as a forward-thinking approach that directly benefits communities.
The camp also aligns with the hospital’s broader mission to expand specialized healthcare services. Dr. Odur emphasized that this collaboration could serve as a foundation for even stronger partnerships in the future.
Dr. Oketcho highlighted that the children being treated—aged between 1 and 8 years—are suffering from congenital heart conditions, particularly Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This condition affects normal blood flow and can hinder a child’s growth and overall well-being if left untreated. He noted that possible causes of such conditions include maternal illnesses during pregnancy, such as rubella and measles, as well as the use of unprescribed medication.
He also urged parents and caregivers to watch for warning signs of heart complications in children, including difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, trouble breastfeeding, and frequent chest infections.
For the local medical team, the camp is more than just a treatment effort—it is a learning opportunity. Dr. Bosco Omongo Ekwan expressed gratitude for the mentorship and skills transfer provided by the Uganda Heart Institute team, noting that Lira Regional Referral Hospital aims to begin conducting such heart surgeries independently in the near future.
This marks the second pediatric closed heart surgery camp hosted at the hospital under the Uganda Heart Institute. During the previous camp, 14 children successfully underwent similar procedures—further proof of the growing impact of this initiative.
As the camp continues, it stands as a powerful example of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to child health—bringing lifesaving care closer to home and giving young patients a renewed chance at life.
