Estimates show that out of the 1.6 million babies born in Uganda each year, approximately 1%, equivalent to 16,000 infants, are diagnosed with congenital heart disease, a condition marked by structural abnormalities.
The Uganda Heart Institute is the facility mandated with dealing with heart complications in the country, and of the 16,000 cases of heart defects detected in children every year, the Institute is able to correct about 80% of those in need.
Dr. Aliku Twalib, a senior consultant cardiologist at the Uganda Heart Institute, explains that these structural abnormalities include issues like holes in the hearts, malfunctioning valves, or abnormal connections.
“Because of the processes of the formation of the heart, some things could go wrong. These things could be where walls of the heart do not form and other abnormalities,” Aliku explains.
Medical experts, note that parents can play a crucial role in early detection of childhood heart defects by watching out for signs such as difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails among others.
“Any difficulty in breathing is a red flag. A mother should not ignore the symptoms; they should seek advice. If a baby survives that period very well, and grows up for a few months, you will realize that the baby breathes faster,” Aliku says.
However, medics at the heart institute say a majority of the cases can be treated successfully if identified early. The Uganda Heart Institute has been successful in correcting about 80% of the diagnosed heart defects, providing crucial intervention for those in need. Dr. Aliku emphasizes that these heart conditions often arise sporadically, with no known specific cause.
“This will be like up to 80%, several things contribute to increase the risk of having a child being born with a heart disease but there are more definable factors like infections in the mother, medications mothers are taking or genetic formations.”
As part of measures to minimise the risk of congenital heart disease, experts stress the importance of prevention, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Taking folic acid is highlighted as a key measure to reduce the risk of these heart defects in newborns.
“Have a healthy diet, if a woman is of child bearing age, there are some medicines we can give like folic acids. If they get pregnant, they should attend proper antenatal care,” says Dr. Emma Ndagire, a Paediatric Cardiologist at the Uganda Heart Institute
