By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A public awareness campaign was recently conducted by the Mpumalanga Department of Health Paediatric Cardiology team, led by Dr. Ngwenyama at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela, as part of CHD(Congenital Heart Disease) Week that stared from 7 to 14 February 2026.
The awareness week was also observed in other hospitals in the province including Mapulaneng, Themba, and Shongwe, with medical staff wearing red as a sign of support for the initiative.
CHD is reportedly the most common birth defect worldwide, affecting nearly 1 in 100 babies.
The Department of Health in Mpumalanga emphasised the need for education in order to change the narrative and dispel the myth that surgery fixes a heart defect forever, as
CHD is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing specialised care.
The Department said it is essential to improve long-term survival rates, increase quality of life, and ensure proper medical management even after surgery.
Furthermore, the Department stated that the stories of people living with CHD need to be highlighted in no order to provide hope, reduce feelings of isolation, and help families to navigate their own journeys.
Paediatric Cardiologist, Dr. P.Z. Ngwenyama, said those living with CHD must be fully supported and the public needs to be educated about the condition.
“ Educating patients and families about their specific condition empowers them to understand their medical history, recognise warning signs of deterioration, and manage their health proactively,” Ngwenyama.
The Department said one-on-one interactions were held with parents and children to provide clarity and guidance on the condition.
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