The Douala General Hospital (DGH) has successfully performed its first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). This milestone marks not only a first for Cameroon but a significant achievement for Central Africa and French-speaking Africa at large.The breakthrough was made possible through a strategic partnership between the DGH and HeartBeat International, an association of Germany-based Cameroonian medical specialists dedicated to transferring high-level surgical expertise back to their home country.This achievement was highlighted during a press conference on Friday, March 13, which marked the end of a week-long cardiac surgery campaign that ran from March 9 to 15. During the conference, cardiologists explained that the TAVI procedure typically costs between CFA 20 million and 30 million in Europe and America. However, it will now be offered at a subsidized rate at Douala General Hospital.The TAVI procedure is a modern alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. It is designed to treat severe aortic stenosis a condition where the heart’s aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow.Unlike conventional surgery, which requires opening the chest cavity, TAVI is minimally invasive. Surgeons introduce a new valve through an artery (usually in the groin) and position it over the defective valve. This technique offers: Ideal for patients too frail for open surgery. Shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily life. Eliminating the need for a heart-lung bypass machine.
Team Members
The surgical team was led by Dr. Siemeni Thierry and other members of HeartBeat International. Although based in Germany, the organization is composed of Cameroonian-born specialists who have the passion of transferring technology back home to better the health of fellow countrymen.”HeartBeat is 100% Cameroonian,” explained Dr. Siemeni Thierry. “We are people born and grown here who went abroad to specialize. Our goal is to bring this high-level medicine to Cameroon so our population can profit on the spot without traveling to France, India, or Germany.”One of the specialist who performed the surgery and member of the Heartbeat organisation Dr. Sabi Titus explained that in an effort to enhance local healthcare, the initiative is aimed at providing advanced cardiac procedures in Cameroon. He further reiterated that the introduction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and minimally invasive surgeries aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients, who currently face high costs for similar treatments abroad. “Valve replacement surgeries typically exceed 20 million CFA francs, with bypass operations reaching up to 40 million CFA francs. By leveraging expertise from Germany, this initiative seeks to deliver high-quality medical care locally, minimizing the need for international travel and ensuring affordability for all patients” Dr Sabi said. He added that the focus is on maintaining low operational costs while prioritizing patient comfort and quicker recovery, as minimally invasive techniques allow for same-day discharge. This landmark effort represents a significant advancement in accessible healthcare for the region.Prof. Henry Luma, Director General of the Douala General Hospital, was instrumental in facilitating this cooperation. His leadership has been cited as a key factor in moving the project from a concept to a life-saving reality.Furthermore, for patients like Enow Phillipe, the success of this mission is personal. “For now, I’m very fine. I don’t have any difficulties,” he shared following his recovery. “I thank Almighty God and the doctors who have done their best for me.”Beyond individual success stories, this initiative aims to: Providing world-class care locally saves the state and families millions in travel costs. This was HeartBeat’s third mission to Douala (following a debut in February 2025), focusing on training local staff. The ultimate goal is to create a permanent, independent cardiothoracic unit at the DGH to serve the entire Central African region.The success of this TAVI procedure positions Cameroon as a rising hub for medical excellence in Africa. As Dr. Thierry noted, the commitment of the government and hospital remains crucial. By continuing to “open the doors” on financial and logistical support, Cameroon can ensure that this medical prowess becomes a standard of care rather than a one-time event.
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