Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH), in partnership with the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI), has successfully concluded its third Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Camp, held from 29th June to 3rd July 2026, marking another significant milestone in bringing lifesaving specialized cardiac care closer to children and families in the greater Busoga region.

The week-long camp resulted in 17 successful paediatric heart surgeries, giving children born with congenital heart conditions a renewed opportunity to live healthier, more active lives. Many of the children were discharged in stable condition, with parents expressing gratitude after witnessing remarkable improvements in their children’s health following surgery.

The camp is part of an ongoing collaboration between JRRH and UHI aimed at expanding access to specialized cardiac services while building local capacity to eventually establish a fully operational regional heart centre at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

Speaking during the close-out meeting, the Hospital Director and Senior Executive Consultant, Dr, Alfred Yayi noted that this was the third paediatric cardiac surgery camp hosted at the hospital. The first camp, held in June 2024, saw eight successful surgeries, followed by twelve surgeries during the second camp in 2025. This year’s achievement reflects the growing impact of the partnership and the hospital’s continued progress in strengthening its infrastructure to support specialized healthcare services.

He emphasized that each camp is designed not only to provide lifesaving treatment but also to build the skills and experience of healthcare workers at JRRH, enabling the hospital to independently conduct such procedures in the future. He further appealed for continued support until the planned regional heart centre, already included in the hospital’s master plan, becomes a reality.

Dr. Aliku Twalib, Team Lead from the Uganda Heart Institute, thanked the hospital management and staff for creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the camp. He revealed that 26 children were screened, with 17 undergoing successful surgeries. Several others whose operations were postponed because of other medical conditions will continue receiving treatment through the Uganda Heart Institute at no cost.

Dr. Aliku also stressed the importance of conducting such camps as scheduled, noting that delayed access to specialized cardiac care can have devastating consequences. He shared that two children passed away before the camp commenced, underscoring the urgent need for timely intervention for children living with congenital heart disease.

Lead Surgeon, Dr. Michael Oketcho, expressed appreciation to the families who entrusted the medical team with the care of their children. He also commended the improvements made at JRRH since previous camps, highlighting better organization within the operating theatre and enhanced equipment and facilities that contributed to smoother surgical procedures.

One of the most moving moments during the close-out meeting came from parents and caregivers who shared testimonies of hope and recovery.

Aisha Namudira, the mother of two-month-old baby Noah, recounted the difficult journey that began when she noticed her baby’s unusual breathing shortly after birth. After referrals from Mayuge Health Centre IV to JRRH, baby Noah was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and required urgent surgery. Despite discouragement from some members of the community, she trusted the medical team and proceeded with the operation.

“After the operation, my baby is now breastfeeding well and is healthy. I am at peace knowing my child has been given a second chance at life,” she said, encouraging other parents not to fear seeking medical care.

Other beneficiaries also shared inspiring stories of recovery. Parents spoke of children who had previously struggled to walk, play, or feed properly but are now living active, healthy lives following surgery. One grandmother from Kayunga expressed gratitude after her five-year-old grandchild, who underwent surgery through an earlier camp, is now thriving in school.

Healthcare workers also used the occasion to raise awareness that many conditions often attributed to myths or superstition are, in fact, treatable medical conditions that require timely diagnosis and specialized care.

The Uganda Heart Institute reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cardiac services across the country by continuing to support regional outreach programmes and offering fellowship training opportunities for JRRH staff. The long-term goal is to establish regional centres capable of providing lifesaving cardiac interventions closer to where patients live, reducing the burden of travel and improving access to specialized care.

The success of the third Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Camp demonstrates the power of partnership, commitment, and investment in specialized healthcare. As JRRH continues to strengthen its capacity, the hospital remains committed to ensuring that more children with congenital heart disease receive timely, quality care and the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.