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Review Article Open Access
Volume 6 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.46439/cardiology.6.034

Bridging the cardiac care gap in sub-Saharan Africa: from short-term medical missions to sustainable solutions 

  • 1Global Heartcare Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
  • 2Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Narayana Health, Bangaluru, India
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Vibhu R. Kshettry, vkshettry@globalheartcarefoundation.org

Received Date: November 03, 2025

Accepted Date: January 19, 2026

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, access to sustainable cardiac care remains limited. The reliance on short-term medical mission-based interventions has not addressed the critical workforce and infrastructure gaps in the region. The Global Heartcare Foundation (GHF) provides a framework for transitioning from episodic care to locally driven team-based solutions. Through comprehensive training programs, high-volume cardiac center partnerships, strategic investments, and locally led research, the GHF has enabled the development of independent cardiac teams and infrastructure in Ethiopia and Tanzania. To date, GHF has trained more than 50 African physicians, nurses, and technicians, and supports national registries for Rheumatic and Congenital Heart Disease alongside expanding digital learning initiatives. This review offers a framework for building sustainable cardiovascular care systems in low-resource settings, emphasizing team training, partnerships, mentoring, infrastructure investments, and long-term capacity building.

Keywords

Cardiac team training, sub-Saharan Africa, Global cardiovascular health, Workforce development, Sustainability

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