A practising interventional cardiologist from Keele University has travelled to Ethiopia with a US-based charity to take treatments and practices pioneered in North Staffordshire to help heart patients in Africa. 

Professor Mamas Mamas, who is also an interventional cardiologist at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, travelled with a contingent from Heart Attack Ethiopia for their latest outreach mission, providing equipment and care to treat patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. 

Despite Ethiopia having a population of 120 million, the country has fewer than 10 interventional cardiologists for treating patients with cardiovascular disease.  

Due to this lack of infrastructure, specialised equipment, and expertise in the country, most patients suffering from conditions like acute coronary syndrome or heart attacks only get treated with tablets and bed rest, resulting in a very high mortality rate.  

Heart Attack Ethiopia Inc. was established by Dr Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist, and his wife, Dr Obsinet Merid, an internal medicine physician and the organization's CEO. Together, they lead biannual cardiac missions that brings together a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, to deliver essential cardiac care at no cost. These initiatives are made possible through the generous donations of medical equipment from various companies and hospitals, allowing them to significantly impact the communities they serve. 

Professor Mamas was among the group to travel to Ethiopia on the most recent third mission, helping to not only secure supplies from industry and treat patients himself, but also educating doctors on the safest and most up-to-date interventional treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases. 

Professor Mamas said: “Cardiovascular diseases have overtaken infectious diseases as the number one cause of death in Ethiopia. Despite the heavy burden of cardiovascular disease in the young population with significant premature mortality, both infrastructure and expertise are lacking to help in the treatment of this pandemic. The partnership between Keele University and Heart Attack Ethiopia will mean that many more Ethiopians will receive the treatment that they need, ultimately saving lives.” 

Dr Tesfaye Telila, a co-founder of Heart Attack Ethiopia, added: “As someone born and raised in Ethiopia and now practicing interventional cardiology in the USA, providing mission-based cardiovascular (CV) services in my home country transcends mere professional duty; it is a deeply personal mission. My own uncle's untimely death from a heart attack, due to the unavailability of critical care, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in our healthcare landscape.  

“While I am grateful for the life-saving interventions we achieve during our missions, I am acutely aware that true progress lies in sustainable solutions. Our ultimate vision is to cultivate a robust healthcare system by training the next generation of CV specialists and developing modern infrastructures. Our growing partnerships with esteemed global healthcare systems, such as Keele University, are pivotal steps towards realizing this vision, bringing hope and advanced care to heart patients across Ethiopia and bigger Africa.”