Every year, on 14th February, International Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Day is observed to spread awareness about congenital heart defects and the impact they have on children and their families. CHD is the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 100 newborns worldwide. While medical advancements have significantly improved the survival rate and quality of life for children born with CHD, early detection, timely intervention, and public awareness remain crucial.
Understanding Congenital Heart DiseaseCongenital Heart Disease refers to structural abnormalities in the heart that are present from birth. These defects can range from mild conditions that require minimal medical intervention to severe heart anomalies that necessitate multiple surgeries and lifelong care. Some common types of CHD include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), Tetralogy of Fallot, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Challenges Faced by Children with CHD
Children born with CHD often experience significant health challenges, including difficulty in gaining weight, frequent respiratory infections, and poor oxygen circulation. In severe cases, they may require open-heart surgeries, catheter-based interventions, or even heart transplants.
Beyond medical challenges, CHD affects families emotionally and financially. Parents must navigate complex treatment options, hospital visits, and long-term care while ensuring their child leads as normal a life as possible. In many developing countries, access to specialised paediatric cardiac care remains limited, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult.
The Importance of Awareness and SupportInternational Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day plays a vital role in educating the public about CHD and advocating for improved healthcare facilities for affected children. It is an opportunity to highlight the need for early diagnosis, medical research, and financial support for families in need.
Various organisations and NGOs work tirelessly to provide medical aid, fund surgeries, and support families dealing with CHD. Awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and social media initiatives help spread knowledge about preventive measures and available treatment options.
At Child Help Foundation, our major programme is emergency medical support, where we have treated children with serious illnesses. CHD is one of the major illnesses found in children. So far we have treated more than 400 children with heart disease and we are determined to help them in the future as well.
How Can You Help?There are several ways individuals can contribute to CHD awareness and support:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about CHD and share information with your community to help break myths surrounding the condition.
- Support Organisations: Donate or volunteer for charities that provide medical assistance to children with CHD.
- Encourage Prenatal Care: Advocate for routine prenatal screenings and maternal healthcare to improve early detection of CHD.
- Participate in Awareness Events: Join local or online campaigns to amplify the voices of children and families affected by CHD.
On International Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day, let us unite in our efforts to support children with CHD and their families. By raising awareness, promoting research, and ensuring access to quality medical care, we can help these tiny hearts beat stronger and healthier.