Projects
HAE Projects
CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES
Ethiopia and most of Africa has very limited to no access to lifesaving emergency cardiovascular services and there are disproportionately low numbers of fully trained interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in the region. Therefore, Heart Attack Ethiopia will partner with local government and other nongovernmental organizations to support the establishment of advanced cardiovascular centers and service lines and will use a mission based group of cardiovascular specialists to provide a sustainable cutting-edge cardiovascular care to the people of Ethiopia and beyond.
Infrastructure Development
We collaborate with local healthcare facilities and stakeholders to both build and improve existing medical facilities and infrastructures for advanced cardiovascular care to manage all cardiovascular emergencies and beyond. This includes providing essential medical equipment, supporting the establishment of cardiac care units, and facilitating the training of local staff in specialized cardiac procedures.
MOBILE CLINICS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS
To reach underserved communities, we organize mobile clinics and outreach programs. These initiatives bring medical professionals, diagnostic equipment, and essential healthcare services directly to remote areas, ensuring that individuals have access to screenings, consultations, and basic medical care.
Capacity Building
We provide training and capacity building programs for healthcare professionals, focusing on the latest advancements in cardiovascular care. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, we aim to strengthen the local healthcare workforce and improve the quality of cardiac care across the region.
Community Health
We conduct community health education campaigns to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, targeting both urban and rural areas. These campaigns include interactive workshops, health fairs, and educational materials that emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, early detection, and preventive measures.
Research
Heart Attack Ethiopia actively engages in research and data collection to better understand the prevalence and risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke in the region. This data helps us tailor our interventions, advocate for evidence based policies, and measure the impact of our initiatives.
POLICY ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
We work closely with government entities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that prioritize cardiovascular health. By forming strategic partnerships, we aim to influence policy decisions, secure funding, and create a supportive environment for preventive measures, early intervention, and access to quality care. Together, let’s create a healthier future where heart attacks and strokes are preventable, and everyone has access to quality cardiovascular care.
Medical Missions
Heart Attack Ethiopia (HAE) organizes biannual medical missions that bring together dedicated healthcare professionals to provide critical cardiovascular care to underprivileged patients in Ethiopia at no cost. Since its inception, HAE has successfully conducted two medical missions, during which our team performed an impressive 120 life-saving cardiac interventions. These interventions include essential procedures such as Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCIs), Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) implantations, and Cardiac Ablations, all aimed at improving the health and quality of life for those in need.
Mission #1 | February 2024
HAE successfully conducted its first lifesaving mission in collaboration with the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia (CHFE), performing 32 advanced cardiovascular procedures at a total cost of $400,000, including in-kind donations of medical supplies.
Mission #2 | August 2024
HAE successfully carried out its second lifesaving mission in collaboration with the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia (CHFE), St Paul’s Millennium Medical College/St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital, and TiKur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH). This initiative led to the successful execution of 90 advanced cardiovascular procedures, including open-heart surgeries, at a total cost of $1.4 million, which also included generous in-kind donations of medical supplies.
Mission #3 | February 2025
Our third cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia was a resounding success, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to delivering lifesaving cardiac care to underserved communities. A dedicated team of 17 volunteers—14 from the United States, 2 from England and 1 from Botswana—worked collaboratively across two major hospitals in Ethiopia, performing 86 critical procedures, including valve replacements, coronary artery bypass surgeries, and percutaneous coronary interventions.
In a pioneering effort, we launched Ethiopia’s first fully accessible heart attack care pilot program—an important milestone toward establishing a comprehensive primary PCI center at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). This initiative is designed to ensure that no patient is denied essential cardiac care due to financial limitations.
A key highlight of this mission was the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. This strategic partnership will enhance logistical coordination and support for future missions, strengthening our ability to provide timely, high-quality care.
We were also profoundly moved by unexpected visits from patients whose lives were saved during our previous missions—powerful reminders of the lasting impact of this work and the lives it continues to transform.