HOPEBRIDGE Congenital Heart Disease Sponsorship Program

HOPEBRIDGE sponsors life-saving cardiac surgeries for children under 14 years old who are diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) and whose families cannot afford the cost of treatment.

The sponsorship package includes:

               •             Pre-surgery evaluation in Jigjiga

               •             Final evaluation in Addis Ababa

               •             Full cardiac surgery cost

               •             Hospital stay, including ICU care

               •             Medication during hospitalization

               •             Post-surgery follow-up and evaluation

               •             Round-trip airfare for the child and one caregiver

               •             Guest house accommodation in Addis Ababa for up to five weeks

HOPEBRIDGE will collaborate with cardiac hospitals in Addis Ababa to facilitate treatment.

Role of HOPEBRIDGE

HOPEBRIDGE will:

               •             Cover all sponsorship costs listed above

               •             Screen, prioritize, and select eligible children with congenital heart disease

               •             Refer selected children to Tazma Hospital (or designated cardiac hospital)

               •             Send pre-evaluation results in advance

               •             Schedule and confirm medical appointments

Role of the Hospital

The hospital will:

               •             Receive referred children from Jigjiga

               •             Conduct final medical evaluation prior to surgery

               •             Perform the cardiac surgery

               •             Provide full hospital services, including ICU care and medication

               •             Conduct one-month post-surgery follow-up

               •             Provide detailed daily patient reports

               •             Submit a final comprehensive surgery report, including both narrative and financial documentation

               •             Provide written discharge instructions and guidance to the caregiver

Cost of Surgery

The average cost of cardiac surgery for children with congenital heart disease is approximately 1,150,000 Ethiopian Birr (about $6,000 USD).

HADO will cover all costs associated with the program.