Heart to Heart---Support the Tibetan Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Wednesday, June 10 2009 22:26

According to the most recent Chinese Health Survey, 7 out of every 100 Tibetan children have congenital heart disease --- a ratio five to six times higher than most other regions in the world.

The average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau, often named the “Roof of the World”, is about 4,500 meters. Because of the thin air and lack of oxygen, new-born babies are more susceptible to certain congenital heart problems such as ASD (Atrial Septal Disorder) and PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). Other factors that may contribute to these disorders include: malnutrition, folic-deficiency of mothers and inbreeding.

With regards to the treatments, about 80% of the patients can be cured with only one simple catheter procedure. The cost is about $1,000. As to the remaining 20% who are in more severe condition, multiple repeated procedures will be needed, with each treatment costing about $5,000 dollars. This is undoubtedly an exorbitant amount to most Tibetans.

Earlier this year, River of Life Foundation started partnering with South East Asia Prayer Center (SEAPC) and participated in their Touching Hearts project, which focuses on the surveys and treatments of Tibetan children with congenital heart disease.

During the inception phase of the project, Touching Hearts did a survey in Tibet and identified 14,000 children and youth aged between 1 and 18 who needed treatments. The project sponsors these patients and helps them to receive free treatments in Beijing.

In year 2009, Touching Hearts had raised sufficient fund and cooperated with Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital to build the first children’s hospital in Tibet that specializes in heart disease.

In 2010, ROLF sponsored two children, Daygar and Kuore, to receive free treatments. Currently we are waiting for a list of potential candidates from Touching Hearts. Until now, Touching Hearts has helped over 300 children to receive treatments. It is estimated that there are still over 9000 children with curable heart disease who are in need of your help to save their lives!