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"Mission Bambini" has conducted a new pediatric cardiac surgery mission at the Orotta Hospital in Asmara

Posted by: Semere Asmelash

Date: Monday, 03 November 2025

The Morning

Doctors and nurses from Campania travel to Eritrea to save 25 children with heart problems.

The mission involved 18 Italian healthcare workers

Doctors and nurses from Campania travel to Eritrea to save 25 children with heart problems.
by Pasquale Sorrentino
Monday, November 3, 2025, 11:28 AM
"Mission Bambini" has conducted a new pediatric cardiac surgery mission in Asmara , at the Orotta Hospital, as part of the project "Emergent care and prevention to contribute to the improvement of the Eritrean healthcare system," supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Monasterio di Massa Foundation . Since there is no stable pediatric cardiac surgery service in Eritrea , over 400 children are currently on the waiting list for lifesaving surgery. The Italian mission intervened precisely with this objective in mind. The mission involved 18 Italian healthcare workers, who left as volunteers: cardiac surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists, perfusionists, and nurses—from eight Italian hospitals (including the Heart Hospital in Massa, Niguarda in Milan , Monaldi in Naples , Regina Margherita in Turin , and Ruggi in Salerno).

During the two weeks of activity, 25 pediatric cardiac surgeries were performed , 16 of which with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) ; 220 children were examined in the outpatient clinic, and intensive field training was provided for local healthcare personnel; the surgical mortality rate was zero, confirming the high level of technical and safety achieved.

The continuity of the Eritrean personnel involved is significant, with cardiologists and surgeons participating in the Italian missions for four consecutive years, consolidating their skills and professional autonomy. 

Among the many young patients seen and operated on, the story that touched the team's hearts most deeply was that of two identical twins, both born with the same serious heart condition. Their future seemed doomed, but thanks to the intervention of Italian doctors and the collaboration of local staff, both underwent successful surgery and are now able to smile. Their story symbolizes what "Children's Heart" stands for: transforming medical expertise and solidarity into lives saved, offering hope to children born in settings lacking healthcare.

The volunteers from Campania




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