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European Heart for Children

A humanitarian non-profit organisation supported by the ESC

In Europe today, children born with congenital malformation do not have equal access to appropriate care and, in some cases, the range of disparity is significant. To help remedy this situation, the European Society of Cardiology supports the European Heart for Children, a project initiated by Claudia Florio Ferrari.



European  Heart  for  Children (EHC)  is  an  international  humanitarian organisation (Fonds de dotation).

Although  it  falls  under  the  umbrella  of  the  European  Society  of  Cardiology,  one  of  the  largest scientific societies in the world, it is an independent entity and acts in accordance with the rules set by the EHC Board.  

The  mission  of  the  EHC  is  to  promote  knowledge  and treatment  of  congenital  heart  disease (CHD) and related disorders in children and young adults in the European Society of Cardiology member countries and beyond.  

To  reach  its  mission,  EHC  has  developed  a  training grant  programme  for  promising  healthcare professionals in those countries where further medical education is sub-optimal. Training of local doctors and nurses is fundamental for the development of stronger and self-sufficient healthcare systems in those countries where EHC is active. 

Another  key  factor  to  achieve  its  goal  is  to  support  medical  missions  carried  out  by  European medical  teams.  During  each  mission,  up  to  250 children  are  evaluated  to  establish  the  urgency and  seriousness  of  each  case.  The  most  severe  cases immediately  undergo  surgical  or
interventional treatments.