Maiden Pan- African Cardiothoracic Surgery Summit 2025 launched

The Pan-African Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (PASCaTS), in collaboration with Global Heart Care has launched its first Pan- African Cardiothoracic Surgery Summit 2025 in Accra.
The PASCaTS Summit 2025 aims to address the critical shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons in Africa by providing specialized training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for young surgeons and allied healthcare professionals.
It is set to make history as it brings together global leaders in cardiovascular healthcare to Accra, from February 22 to 24, 2025.
The summit will also include a specialized cardiac surgery simulation course aimed at improving practical skills among attendees.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for nearly 17.9 million deaths worldwide each year, with over 1 million deaths occurring in Africa alone.
Despite this growing burden, the continent faces a severe shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons, with fewer than one cardiac surgeon per million people in many African countries.
The President and Founder of Global Heart Care-PASCaTS, Professor Charles Yankah noted the significance of the summit as a platform for collaboration, education, and innovation in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
“We are thrilled to host the first-ever Pan-African Cardiothoracic Surgery Summit in Accra. This summit represents a unique opportunity to strengthen healthcare partnerships, empower the next generation of surgeons, and improve access to life-saving heart surgeries across Africa,” he said.
He noted that the event will feature a wide range of educational sessions covering aortic, mitral, and pulmonary valve surgeries, as well as the management of ischemic heart diseases and thoracic trauma.
He added that special sessions will focus on developing African cardiothoracic surgery databases and exploring how innovation can help address challenges in low-resource settings.
“This summit is not only about sharing knowledge but also about inspiring and training the next generation of African cardiothoracic surgeons. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in cardiovascular healthcare across the continent.” he stressed.

A call to action for charity cardiac surgery
Professor Charles Yankah noted the urgent need for charity cardiac surgery as a critical focus of the summit, highlighting the alarming reality that only 2% of children with heart disease in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to life-saving surgery.
“We must come together to expand access to cardiac care for children in underserved communities. Through charity missions and innovative, low-budget surgical programmes, we can bridge this gap and ensure that no child is left without the treatment they desperately need.” he stated.
Networking and Future Collaboration
Professor Yankah also underscored the summit’s role in fostering global collaboration, bringing together experts from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and beyond.
“This summit is not just about learning, it is about building meaningful partnerships that will drive the future of cardiac healthcare in Africa. By sharing ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches, we can work collectively to transform cardiothoracic surgery on the continent and ensure lasting impact.” he explained.

Empowering the future
Professor Charles Yankah highlighted the 1st PACATS Summit as a unique opportunity to empower medical professionals across all stages of their careers, including cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and allied professionals.
He emphasized the broader vision of the summit, stating, “We are excited to bring the global cardiothoracic community together in Accra.
This event is not just about learning—it is about creating a movement that will shape the future of cardiovascular healthcare in Africa and beyond.”
Additionally, the summit will offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, further reinforcing its role in advancing the professional development of attendees.
The summit will begin with an opening ceremony on the evening of February 21, 2025, and will feature three days of scientific sessions from February 22 to 24.
Participants can expect comprehensive discussions on the latest advancements in cardiac surgery, training programs, and the critical issues facing cardiothoracic surgeons across Africa.
High-profile guests and speakers will include Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, founder of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation and Aswan Heart Centre in Egypt, as the honorary guest, and Professor Joanna Chikwe, Chair of Cardiac Surgery at the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as the President of the summit.
Other distinguished speakers include Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Amanda Fowler, Vice-President of Global Corporate Giving at Edwards Lifesciences.
In addition to these esteemed figures, the summit will host a series of honorary lectures, including the Charles Easmon Lecture and the Christiaan Barnard Lecture, honoring pioneers in African heart surgery.