UHNM cardiologist travels to Ethiopia to improve care for heart patients

An interventional cardiologist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has travelled to Ethiopia to help improve care for patients with heart conditions.   

Professor Mamas Mamas joined other healthcare professionals from across the world working with US-based charity Heart Attack Ethiopia to provide free equipment and care to treat patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.  

As part of the mission, Professor Mamas, who is also a Professor of Cardiology at Keele University, helped to not only secure supplies from the healthcare industry and treat patients himself, but also educated doctors on the safest and most up-to-date interventional treatments. 

Professor Mamas said: “Cardiovascular diseases have overtaken infectious diseases as the number one cause of death in Ethiopia. Despite the heavy burden of cardiovascular disease in the young population with significant premature mortality, both infrastructure and expertise are lacking to help in the treatment of this pandemic. The partnership between Keele University and Heart Attack Ethiopia will mean that many more Ethiopians will receive the treatment that they need, ultimately saving lives.”  

Despite Ethiopia having a population of 120 million, the country has fewer than 10 interventional cardiologists for treating patients with cardiovascular disease.   

Due to this lack of infrastructure, specialised equipment, and expertise in the country, most patients suffering from conditions like acute coronary syndrome or heart attacks only get treated with tablets and bed rest, resulting in a high mortality rate.   

Heart Attack Ethiopia leads bi-annual cardiac missions that bring together a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, to deliver essential cardiac care at no cost. These initiatives are made possible through the generous donations of medical equipment from various companies and hospitals, allowing them to significantly impact the communities they serve.  

Dr Tesfaye Telila, a co-founder of Heart Attack Ethiopia, added: “Our ultimate vision is to cultivate a robust healthcare system by training the next generation of specialists and developing modern infrastructures. Our growing partnerships with esteemed global healthcare systems are pivotal steps towards realizing this vision, bringing hope and advanced care to heart patients across Ethiopia and wider Africa.”