By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
At least 11 children from the Lango and Acholi sub-regions are set to undergo specialized closed heart surgeries at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in a five-day medical camp aimed at restoring hope and improving child health.
The pediatric heart surgery camp, which began on Monday, April 13, 2026, is scheduled to run until Friday, April 17, 2026. By Tuesday, April 14, surgeons had already operated on eight children, performing four successful procedures each day.
The surgeries are being carried out by a team of senior pediatric cardiac specialists from the Uganda Heart Institute, led by Dr. Micheal Oketcho, a Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. The team is working in close collaboration with medical staff at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Bosco Omongo Ekwan.
Hospital Director Dr. Andrew Odur confirmed that the children who have undergone surgery are recovering well and are expected to regain normal health and lead productive lives.
“We are happy that these children will regain their normal functionality and thrive to achieve their full potential,” Dr. Odur said.
He commended the Uganda Heart Institute for extending specialized services to the Lango sub-region, noting that the initiative is bringing critical healthcare closer to communities that need it most.
“I want to thank the management of the Uganda Heart Institute for bringing specialized services closer to the people of Lango. Special appreciation also goes to the Ministry of Health for this forward-thinking initiative,” he added.
Dr. Odur emphasized that the surgery camp aligns with the hospital’s mission to expand specialized medical services and strengthen partnerships with national institutions.
According to Dr. Oketcho, the children undergoing surgery are aged between one and eight years and are being treated for a congenital heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This condition causes abnormal blood flow in the heart, which can hinder normal growth and overall well-being.
He noted that congenital heart conditions in children may be linked to factors such as the use of unprescribed medication during pregnancy and maternal illnesses like rubella and measles.
Dr. Oketcho also highlighted warning signs parents should watch for, including difficulty in breathing, rapid breathing, poor breastfeeding, and recurrent chest infections.
Dr. Bosco Omongo Ekwan expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying the visiting specialists have provided valuable mentorship and skills transfer to the local medical team.
“We are grateful for the knowledge and skills shared. In the near future, we aim to begin conducting heart surgeries here at Lira Regional Referral Hospital,” he said.
This marks the second pediatric closed heart surgery camp hosted at the hospital under the auspices of the Uganda Heart Institute. During a similar camp held last year, 14 children successfully underwent surgery for related conditions.
The ongoing initiative continues to bring renewed hope to families, with more children expected to benefit from life-saving procedures by the end of the week.
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