A heart surgery survivor Vitalina Chaona, 52, from Gochi Village II in Traditional Authority Mpando in Ntcheu District has commended Partners in Health for supporting her heart surgery in 2023.
Diagnosed in 2021 for a heart problem, the woman needed financial support to fly outside the country for the life-saving operation.
Chaona said she had no money, yet, without the surgery, her life was miserable.
She said: “Life was hard before the surgery as I had to endure severe pain such that I could not walk, bathe, visit the toilet on my own or doing household chores.
“After several visits to Nsambe Health Centre in Neno, I was finally referred to Neno District Hospital where doctors diagnosed my condition and when I learned about it, I was worried.”
Chaona said fortunately, Partners in Health Organisation showed with support.
“The organisation covered transport and medical costs when I went for a heart surgery in Tanzania in 2023. Doctors have been visiting me and providing medication as well as supporting me with food items. All thanks to Partners in Health,” she said.
Partners in Health non-communicable disease nurse Dester Nakotwa said Chaona was experiencing a shortness of breath and discomfort in her chest and was feeling weak in 2021.
“Having realised that surgical options were not available in the country, the organisation made arrangements and sent Chaona to Tanzania for heart procedures,” he said.
Nakotwa said after the surgery, the organisation has been visiting Chaona and providing medical support as well as foodstuffs for her.
