By Anak Dut

The Israeli Embassy in Juba is set to launch another round of “Save the Child’s Heart” initiative aimed at providing treatment for children with heart problems in South Sudan.

This treatment program will be conducted in both South Sudan and Israel, where advanced medical facilities are available.

During a meeting with Health Minister Sarah Cleto, Israeli non-resident Ambassador to South Sudan Gershon Kedar disclosed plans to refurbish the trauma center at Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital with state-of-the-art equipment and to offer advanced training for healthcare personnel working at the hospital.

Last year, the Israeli embassy facilitated the movement of 21 children from South Sudan who were sent to Israel for life saving heart operations through the amazing work of Save A Child’s Heart since the pediatric cardiological clinic run by Save a Child’s Heart started rendering its support to children with heart problems in South.

The lifesaving cardiac procedures are carried out at Wolfson Medical Center through Save A Child’s Heart in Israel.

Last year, about 90% of the children screened at Al-Sabah Children Hospital were found to have life-threatening heart diseases, according the former Undersecretary in the Ministry of health, Dr. Ader Macar Achiek

However, currently there is no data indicating the level of prevalence and pattern of congenital heart disease among children in the country.

According to US-based National Library of Medicine, congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are some problems with the heart structure at birth which lead to illness and death among children and adolescents.

Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and don’t need treatment while others are more complex and a child may need several surgeries done over a period of several years.

Commemoration of independence

Meanwhile, Amb. Kedar also extended a congratulatory message from the Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the occasion of South Sudan’s 14th Independence Anniversary to President Salva Kiir, expressing ‘hopes for South Sudan’s stability and prosperity and Israel’s commitment to cooperation in agriculture, health, and education.’

Other than the health and agriculture initiatives, the Israeli Ambassador also updated President Kiir on Israel’s STEM education program at the University of Juba, which aims at inspiring high school students in science and engineering.

On his part, the President thanked Israel for the support, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for South Sudan’s development.

In a virtual interview, the Israeli Ambassador confirmed to the City Review that Israeli organization Save a Child’s Heart will be holding a clinic at AlSabach hospital in September for children with heart problems like it did last year.

“Children that need surgery will over the next few months be brought for free of charge surgery in Israel. Since the first surgery last year more than 30 children from South Sudan have been operated upon in Israel,” he said.