This is a unique and practical concept formulated by our founding surgeon. It precludes the need for building and running expensive hospitals. Africa Heart Foundation believes is the most cost-effective and productive method of providing a service and yet maintaining training. Each MOU consists of two 40-foot trailers. Trailer 1 contains all the necessary equipment to run a cardiac theatre. This includes the heart-lung machine, the operating table and lights and all the essential instruments. Trailer 2 contains all monitoring equipment and drugs needed to man four intensive care beds. Each MOU will have the capacity to undertake up to 10 open-heart cases. These cases will have been pre-selected by local hospitals participating in the training scheme. By bringing the surgical team to the patient and local hospital, we avoid any patient incurring large costs. Using the MOU concept, Africa Heart Foundation has estimated that each case can be undertaken for less than US $4000. This represents a major cost saving when you consider that in UK , a similar procedure would cost about US $25,000.

Africa Heart Foundation is currently in the process of equipping its first MOU in UK. We anticipate that this process will take about 18 months to complete. Although some of the equipment has been procured mostly by donation, any assistance by financial or other means would be appreciated. Please contact our Fundraising Secretary, Ms Harminder Mehngar on funds@africaheartfoundation.org if you require more information.