Zambian Heart Patients Find Lifesaving Care in Israel Despite War

Bwalya Mukuka’s son Ethan also has a heart problem. He was diagnosed in 2023. The National Heart Hospital referred him to Israel. “Last year, we received some doctors,” Mukuka said. “We were called and we had that opportunity that our babies had been selected to travel to Israel to be operated on.” She thanked the Israeli government and Save A Child’s Heart. She also urged the Zambian government to invest in specialized doctors. “If government invests and we have specialised doctors in Zambia, we won’t have to travel to Israel and patients can have surgeries at home,” she said.

Emeldah Simwinga, 42, arrived with her son Nelson on July 15. She is one of eight Zambian patients at the home. “When we reached here, they welcomed us properly and fed us well,” she said. “My son was tested and the only thing remaining is the surgery. We thank the doctors and they must continue this goodwill and help others who are also in need.”

Sandra, a young leadership coordinator from Ethiopia, said she learned about Save A Child’s Heart in 2019. She volunteered for a few hours. When she moved to Israel, she reached out for an opportunity. “I love the work that Save A Child’s Heart is doing, I love the mission and my values very much align,” she said. “I have seen so many families and children come in and out of this house.”

The biggest challenge right now is cancelled flights, said Riki Rosenbaum, director of operations. Many flights stopped flying to Israel during the war with Iran. Some children could not travel for treatment. “We haven’t faced any other challenge that we can differentiate from this period and the next, other than the war,” Rosenbaum said. “Despite the challenges, children still came to the children’s home and we expect another group to come from South Sudan. So we do our best to accommodate all of them.”

She said Save A Child’s Heart has continued saving lives through every conflict and pandemic. The charity receives financial support from the Israeli government and other well-wishers. The next group from South Sudan is expected soon, flights permitting.