Apply For MembershipThe AISA delegation was led by Mrs Segametsi Molawa, who as acting CEO, welcomed everybody attending the forum before Mr Matthew Wate, AISA’s Communications Officer, assumed the role of chairperson of the Ambassadorial Forum. AISA proposed a partnership that would contribute towards developing greater awareness of the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa (WSPCCA). The partnership would assist the WSPCCA to obtain more funding in order to increase its impact on the continent. The partnership encompasses several broad areas that would enable the WSPCCA to engage with the diplomatic and government community in order to expedite funding and transportation for children from countries on the continent needing life-saving treatment. In order to carry the partnership with the WSPCCA, AISA and the City of Tshwane organised an event at which diplomats, academics, health professionals, the public sector and the corporate world shared knowledge on health-related matters. The keynote address was given by Mr Lungi Sisulu, Chairperson of the WSPCCA Trust.
His presentation focused on the WSPCCA’s vision for the African continent. A second presentation, by cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Frank Edwin, looked at the training and development of staff in Africa. Mr Davis Mthota, the Health Attaché from the Malawian Consulate General’s office, delivered a speech on how embassies could get involved. An overview of the WSPCCA was also shown via video. The WSPCCA is a unit within the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in Rivonia, South Africa. The unit focuses on children in need of life-saving heart surgery not only from South Africa, but also from around Africa. These children would ordinarily not have access to such specialised medical attention due to lack of funds. The WSPCCA utilises funds received from various donors and generous sponsors. The unit envisages establishing satellite units around the continent so that more young lives can be saved. Doctors from all over Africa will also be trained in the life-saving methods that are employed at the WSPCCA
