TEARS of relief and gratitude filled the air at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as 22-year-old Husna Shabaan Kingwande celebrated her three-year-old son Ikram’s successful heart surgery. This life-changing procedure was part of a groundbreaking collaboration between Chinese and Tanzanian medical experts, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The surgery used the PAN-Procedure, a minimally invasive cardiovascular technique developed by Professor Pan Xiangbin of China’s Fuwai Hospital. Unlike traditional methods, this innovation relies on ultrasound imaging, avoiding open-heart surgery and radiation exposure.
Groundbreaking PAN-Procedure introduced in Tanzania
Ikram was among five Tanzanian children, aged three to seven, who benefited from the PAN-Procedure at the JKCI. The surgeries were performed by a team of five Chinese specialists, six Tanzanian doctors, and a member of the 27th Chinese medical team stationed at the institute.
Professor Pan highlighted the advantages of the procedure, explaining, ‘This technique allows patients to remain conscious during treatment and makes cardiac interventions more accessible, even in community clinics.’
The PAN-Procedure’s introduction marks a milestone in Tanzania’s healthcare, offering a safer, more effective approach to addressing cardiovascular diseases.
Transforming lives and building hope
For Kingwande and her family, the successful operation meant a brighter future for Ikram, diagnosed with a heart condition nine months ago.
‘I am deeply grateful to the Chinese and Tanzanian doctors for giving my son a second chance,’ she said.
Other families also expressed their appreciation, including Ajili Anthony Msunza, whose five-year-old daughter, Noreen, underwent the procedure.
‘This new technology brings hope to many heart patients in Tanzania,’ he said.
Collaboration boosts local healthcare expertise
The partnership between China and Tanzania extends beyond medical procedures. Over 50 Tanzanian cardiologists participated in training sessions led by Professor Pan, equipping them with skills to perform the PAN-Procedure independently.
Dr. Theophylly Ludovick, a pediatric cardiologist at the JKCI who recently trained in China, underscored the significance of this collaboration.
‘One in 100 Tanzanian children suffers from congenital heart defects. This partnership is a lifeline for our nation,’ he said.
Expanding Tanzania’s cardiac treatment capacity
Peter Kisenge, Executive Director of the JKCI, lauded the institute’s collaboration with China, formalised through an agreement with Fuwai Hospital. This partnership has already resulted in the screening of over 1,000 children, with many benefiting from the PAN-Procedure.
Kisenge noted that the introduction of this technology could increase the annual number of procedures at the institute from 783 to over 2,000.
‘This innovation addresses Tanzania’s high burden of cardiovascular diseases and strengthens the bond between China and Tanzania,’ he said.
A legacy of cooperation
Established in 2013 with Chinese government support, the JKCI is now the largest cardiovascular treatment centre in East Africa. Its adoption of cutting-edge techniques like the PAN-Procedure reflects the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Through this collaboration, Chinese medical expertise is helping to save lives, enhance local healthcare capabilities, and foster stronger ties between China and Tanzania, offering hope to countless families.
