Sharjah Charity Medical Team Achieves Historic Milestone with First-of-Its-Kind Procedure and 34 Cardiac Interventions.
Damascus: A team of volunteer doctors from the UAE has achieved a medical milestone in Syria by successfully carrying out the country’s first pulmonary heart valve implantation using a Myval valve through cardiac catheterisation.
The groundbreaking intervention was performed as part of Sharjah Charity International’s “Little Hearts” initiative, which aims to provide specialised cardiac treatment to children and other patients affected by complicated heart conditions across Syria.
The medical mission was headed by Dr Ahmed Al Kamali, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Al Qassimi Hospital for Women, Children and Maternity.
During the humanitarian mission, the UAE medical team successfully conducted 34 cardiac catheterisation procedures, including the country’s first catheter-based pulmonary valve implantation using the Myval system.
The achievement marks an important step forward in expanding access to advanced cardiac treatments for patients with pulmonary valve diseases and conditions that disrupt normal blood circulation between the heart’s right ventricle and the lungs.
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, this minimally invasive technique enables eligible patients to receive treatment through a catheter, potentially reducing surgical complications, shortening hospital stays and allowing faster recovery.
Groundbreaking Advancement in Cardiac Treatment
Healthcare specialists highlighted the procedure as a significant development in interventional cardiology, particularly for patients experiencing pulmonary valve narrowing, valve leakage or abnormalities involving the right ventricular outflow tract.
The specialised catheter-based approach offers an alternative treatment option for selected patients who might otherwise require more invasive surgical procedures.
The minimally invasive catheter-based technique allows medical specialists to implant a heart valve without the need for conventional open-heart surgery. This advanced approach can help minimise physical trauma, reduce potential complications and support a faster recovery for eligible patients.
The intervention is believed to be the first procedure of its kind in Syria involving a Myval transcatheter heart valve, representing an important development in the country’s cardiac healthcare capabilities.
The achievement also creates new possibilities for patients with complex heart conditions who previously faced difficulties accessing advanced and specialised treatment.
UAE Charity Delegation Assesses Humanitarian Needs in Syria
Alongside the medical mission, a delegation from Sharjah Charity International travelled to Syria to evaluate humanitarian priorities and explore opportunities to strengthen community support programmes.
The delegation was led by Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Member of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Charity International.
Other members included Dr Musbah Saeed Al Kaabi, also a Board Member, and Ali Mohammed Al Rashidi, Head of the External Projects and Humanitarian Assistance Sector.
The official visit was part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to identify urgent humanitarian requirements, assess conditions within local communities and develop stronger partnerships with institutions supporting vulnerable populations.
Through these field visits, the charity aims to improve the effectiveness of its humanitarian initiatives and ensure assistance is directed towards communities facing the greatest challenges.
Strengthening Cooperation with Local Humanitarian Organisations
As part of its programme, the Sharjah Charity International delegation visited the Al Namaa Development and Charity Association to gain a better understanding of its humanitarian activities and operational needs.
During the visit, delegation members examined the association’s existing services, discussed challenges affecting its operations and identified potential areas for future collaboration.
The discussions focused on opportunities to expand charitable programmes, strengthen institutional cooperation and improve assistance for individuals and families requiring additional support.
Al Suwaidi emphasised that the visit demonstrates Sharjah Charity International’s commitment to understanding humanitarian challenges through direct engagement with local communities and organisations.
He explained that successful charitable initiatives depend on accurately identifying the needs of vulnerable populations and providing targeted assistance capable of creating meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
According to Al Suwaidi, conducting on-site assessments helps humanitarian organisations allocate resources more effectively and ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
Supporting Children’s Welfare and Community Development
The Sharjah Charity International delegation also visited a child rights association to learn more about its initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of children and providing assistance to families in need.
During the visit, representatives were introduced to several community-focused programmes, including a paper recycling project operated by the association.
Delegation members explored opportunities for future collaboration that could strengthen child welfare initiatives while promoting environmentally responsible practices and sustainable community development.
Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi highlighted the importance of working closely with local charitable organisations to improve the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
He explained that strong partnerships with community institutions help identify vulnerable groups more effectively and ensure that available resources are directed towards areas requiring the greatest support.
UAE Medical Team’s Life-Saving Procedures Reviewed
As part of their humanitarian visit, delegation members travelled to Al Mouwasat Hospital, where they observed the progress of cardiac interventions being performed under the Little Hearts medical campaign.
They also met doctors and healthcare professionals participating in the mission to discuss the procedures being conducted and the medical challenges faced by patients.
Hospital representatives drew attention to the rising demand for specialised cardiac treatment for children, emphasising the need for additional medical equipment, greater healthcare resources and more frequent treatment campaigns.
Officials also highlighted the increasing number of young patients affected by congenital heart defects and acquired cardiovascular conditions.
These challenges, they explained, demonstrate the importance of maintaining and expanding humanitarian medical programmes such as Little Hearts to provide timely treatment for children requiring specialised care.
Expanding Access to Advanced Cardiac Healthcare
Sharjah Charity International reaffirmed that its humanitarian medical initiatives are focused on delivering essential and specialised healthcare to patients facing serious medical conditions.
The organisation also aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve local medical capabilities in countries benefiting from its programmes.
By collaborating with hospitals, healthcare authorities and local medical professionals, the charity seeks to make advanced treatment more accessible within patients’ home countries.
This approach can help reduce the financial pressures, travel difficulties and emotional challenges experienced by families who would otherwise need to seek specialised medical services overseas.
Little Hearts Campaign Continues Its Humanitarian Mission
The latest medical mission in Syria represents another important achievement for Little Hearts, one of Sharjah Charity International’s leading humanitarian healthcare programmes.
Through specialised cardiac interventions and partnerships with local healthcare providers, the initiative continues to support children and vulnerable patients suffering from serious heart conditions.
Alongside providing potentially life-saving treatment, the campaign contributes to improving local medical expertise and expanding access to advanced cardiac services.
Sharjah Charity International remains committed to developing sustainable healthcare partnerships and extending specialised medical assistance to communities where access to essential treatment remains limited.
