A combined team of Zambian and Japanese surgeons at National Heart Hospital, in Lusaka, have successfully conducted four open heart surgeries in a space of two weeks.
Lead Surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Changwe says heart diseases are on the increase in Zambia.
Tico lead Surgeon, Tekeshi Matsumura, says Zambian doctors have continued to improve their skill and are able to conduct complex surgeries.
The patients are still admitted to the hospital and responding well to treatment.
The patients range between 12 and 46 years-old.
The hospital has partnered with Tico from Japan to train and offer technical support to local staff in order to carry out cardiovascular surgeries.
Diamond Media had an encounter with some patients and their families who share optimism from the surgeries they view as a solution to lead normal lives.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani