2026 Program Update – Hearts and Minds of Ghana
Sponsored by Children’s Lifeline International, Inc.

In February, the HMOG team returned to the National Cardiothoracic Center (NCTC) in Accra for a 10-day training visit. Together with our Ghanaian colleagues, we performed 12 pediatric cardiac surgeries and conducted a comprehensive review of the program.

The clinical team continues to demonstrate strong leadership, technical growth, and deep commitment. The program is increasingly capable of managing more complex congenital heart cases.

At the same time, this visit highlighted an important transition point. As surgical volume increases — with the potential for two open-heart cases per day — key systems must be strengthened to ensure safety and sustainability.

Priority needs include:

• Reliable blood supply partnerships
• Expanded ICU nursing capacity
• Modern pediatric monitoring equipment
• Dedicated neonatal/infant surgical instruments
• Standardized operating room workflows

These investments are essential to protect patient safety and support long-term growth.
Our next visit, planned for September 2026, will focus on advanced perfusion training and expanding neonatal/infant surgical capability.

Because of your support, children in Ghana are receiving life-saving heart surgery closer to home. With continued partnership, we can help this program transition from mission-supported to high-reliability, self-sustaining excellence.

Thank you for being part of this work.

Francis Fynn-Thompson, MD
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Department of Cardiac Surgery
Boston Children’s Hospital