Ouagadougou: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially launched on Monday, at the Tengandogo University Hospital Center (CHU-T), a surgery campaign for 60 children suffering from heart conditions, in order to bring them relief.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Saudi Arabian embassy in Burkina Faso has initiated this campaign to minimize the need for overseas evacuations for cardiac surgery. "Today we launched this health program to support Burkina Faso in providing cardiac surgery to 60 Burkinabe children, which is very important for them," said Fahad Aldosari, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Burkina Faso.
Aldosari emphasized that this is the first campaign of its kind in 2025, aimed at future adults with heart problems. Since 2023, Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in pediatric heart surgery in Burkina Faso, executing five programs in three years. "All these efforts made by the Saudi people and King Salman, in partnership with the Islamic League, aim to help the children of Burkina Faso," he added.
In his address, Aldosari also commended the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, for his efforts in reclaiming national territory.
Dr. Antoinette Valian n©e Tougma, representing the Minister of Health, expressed contentment with the campaign's launch, highlighting its significance for children deprived of normal play activities due to heart disease. She acknowledged the Saudi authorities' role in contributing to the well-being of Burkinabe children.
The Director General of CHU-T, Lin Somda, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting its timely nature for the care of Burkinabe children. He highlighted the campaign's importance for the future well-being of the country's youth.
Prof. Andr© Samandoulgou, patron of the ceremony, explained the cardiac catheterization technique, which addresses congenital heart defects without invasive surgery. "We make a puncture at the periphery, and we insert a device to resolve the congenital heart defect," he said, noting this mission marks the first of its kind in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso and Saudi Arabia have shared cooperative ties since 1960, especially in health and humanitarian aid sectors.