A specialized medical team of Italy Doctors has launched a new humanitarian mission to provide Italian heart surgeries in Kurdistan Region for children suffering from complex cardiac conditions. The initiative offers free, life-saving treatment to families who cannot afford advanced medical care.
Among the young patients is 11-year-old Aydin Marouf from Shingal. He has lived with congenital heart disease since early childhood. For years, his condition limited his daily activities. However, on Tuesday, Italian surgeons successfully performed open-heart surgery, giving him renewed hope for a normal life.
Before entering the operating room, Aydin described how his illness affected him. He explained that he could not jump or play like other children. Now, he looks forward to playing football with his friends once he recovers.
The six-member Italian team includes at least two senior surgeons from the Giannina Gaslini Institute in Genoa. During this mission, they plan to perform nearly twelve complex heart surgeries. In addition, they will conduct around fifty medical evaluations for high-risk pediatric cases.
Dr. Francesco Santoro, a senior member of the delegation, has visited the Kurdistan Region at least fifteen times. Over the years, he has performed about one hundred surgeries. He explained that the team travels every few months to support local doctors and handle the most difficult cases, especially those involving low body weight or severe heart defects.
Heevie, a local nonprofit organization, coordinated the visit and identified children in urgent need. Meanwhile, President Nechirvan Barzani covered the costs of the mission, ensuring that families receive treatment free of charge.
The Italian team will continue performing Italian heart surgeries in Kurdistan Region until February 15.