Building Pediatric Heart Surgery Capacity in Libya
Children born with serious heart conditions can require lifesaving intervention early in life. Without sufficient pediatric cardiac surgical capacity in Libya, families may face dangerous delays or have to seek specialized treatment abroad.
Based on observations shared by Libyan physicians working with newborns, approximately 1–2% of the newborns they see present with heart conditions requiring urgent evaluation or intervention.
Clinical observation; not presented as a national epidemiological estimate.
The Next Critical Step
A pediatric cardiac clinical team is already taking shape, including donor-supported training at Al Nas Children's Hospital in Cairo. But one critical capability is still missing: a Libyan pediatric heart surgeon.
Dr. Elfituri has secured an opportunity for an experienced Libyan surgeon to pursue two years of specialized pediatric cardiac surgery training at the Aswan Heart Centre in Egypt, associated with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation.
About Dr. Mahmud Elfituri
Dr. Elfituri graduated from the University of Tripoli in 2014 and completed pediatric training across Libya, Qatar, and New York City, followed by pediatric cardiology training at Stanford Children's Hospital in California in 2026. His focus is building sustainable pediatric cardiac care for Libya by developing the local physicians, surgeons, nurses, and clinical teams needed to care for children at home.
TRAIN → RETURN TO LIBYA → BUILD THE TEAM → TREAT CHILDREN → TRAIN OTHERS
A medical mission can save lives today. Local capability can save lives for generations.
$136,800 to build a capability that stays.
Support the training · Open a door · Share expertise
Project contact: heart@libyanamerican.org