THE CHALLENGES
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the Mekong region. Thousands of children in Cambodia and Lao PDR—especially in rural and underserved communities—lack access to early diagnosis and life-saving interventions due to limited healthcare infrastructure and specialist capacity.
TIMEFRAME: July 2025 – July 2027
TARGET LOCATIONS
- Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham
- Lao PDR: Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Champasak, Vientiane
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- Expand access to effective CHD screening and minimally invasive treatment for children with CHD in Cambodia and Lao PDR.
- Strengthen national health systems through training, equipment provision, and technology transfer.
- Promote regional cooperation on pediatric heart care through South–South collaboration.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES (2025.07–2027.07)
- 50,000 children screened (40,000 by trained local teams)
- 70 children treated using the PAN procedure
- 200+ healthcare professionals trained
- 5 doctors receive intensive training at Fuwai Hospital (6–12 months)
INNOVATION: THE PAN TECHNIQUE
Developed by Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the Percutaneous and Non-fluoroscopic (PAN) procedure is a safe, low-cost, radiation-free, ultrasound-guided technique ideal for resource-limited settings. This approach will be introduced and scaled in both countries.
KEY ACTIVITIES
- School-based CHD screening campaigns
- Ultrasound-guided treatment and post-treatment follow-up
- Donation of ultrasound equipment, smart stethoscopes and treatment materials such as occluders
- National and regional training workshops
- Development of national CHD screening protocols
- Media engagement and policy advocacy
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
- Reduces preventable child mortality
- Strengthens local health system resilience
- Supports the achievement of SDGs, particularly SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG4 (Quality Education), and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
- Demonstrates scalable, cost-effective innovation in pediatric healthcare
FUNDING
- Total Budget: USD 2.57 million
- Funding Source: Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund + Development Partners
- Oversight: Activity-based disbursement by Mekong Institute in line with donor compliance standards
PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK
- Led by: Mekong Institute & Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Acadamy of Medical Sciences
- In Collaboration With: Ministries of Health, national referral hospitals, and provincial health departments
- Governance: Steering Commitee, Expert Working Group, National Coordinators
