Paediatric Echo Workshop Strengthens Child Healthcare

The first-ever Paediatric Echocardiography Workshop was held on 23 November 2025 at Rob Ferreira Hospital in the City of Mbombela, marking an important step forward for child healthcare in Mpumalanga. The event was led by the Paediatric Cardiology team under the guidance of Dr Zinzile Ngwenyama and formed part of the nationwide South African Paediatric Association (SAPA) and Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa (PCCSA) echocardiography training initiative.

The programme was conducted simultaneously at several major centres across the country, including the University of Cape Town, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, and Polokwane.

The workshop aimed to equip doctors from referral hospitals with the skills needed to perform basic screening echocardiograms. By improving doctors’ ability to detect cardiac abnormalities early, the training seeks to reduce delays in diagnosis and prevent avoidable deaths linked to heart disease at district and base-hospital level.

Doctors from across the province attended in notable numbers, representing Themba, Tintswalo, Mapulaneng, Barberton, Ermelo, Matikwana, Lydenburg, Shongwe and Rob Ferreira hospitals.

Participants were especially privileged to learn under the mentorship of Professor John Lawrenson, the retired Head of Paediatric Cardiology at the University of Cape Town. He facilitated the training alongside Dr Ngwenyama, offering invaluable knowledge and experience to the attending clinicians.

“We are confident that this training will positively impact the clinical care of paediatric patients across the province. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who provided support in various forms,” said Dr Ngwenyama.

The initiative reflects a growing provincial commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving outcomes for children living with heart conditions.