Four year old Pumulo needs surgery

Four-year old Pumulo is a sharp, outgoing boy who was born with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), commonly known as a 'hole in the heart'. This relatively common congenital heart ailment can be successfully corrected with surgery, but unfortunately the procedure cannot be done in his home country of Zambia.

Pumulo started showing symptoms of cardiovascular problems almost two years ago, but his condition was initially misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. This led to six months of harsh TB drug therapy which of course didn't help. After the underlying problem was finally correctly diagnosed, he has been in and out of the hospital for the past year for control of symptoms, but no corrective surgery.

Pumulo (center) with his mom, grandmother, and elder brother

Pumulo's heart defect can be surgically corrected. India, which has excellent hospitals, is by far the most affordable option even when you add in the cost of airfare. Given his young age, the likelihood that the operation will be successful and allow him to lead a normal life is very high. His family and friends are seeking to raise $10,000 USD to cover the cost of this operation. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated, -- and thanked with a video postcard from Pumulo!  


Pumulo with his Aunt Charity. It takes a village to raise a child, and this little boy with so much promise needs help from the global village to keep on singing.


The Details

Born on 30th December, 2010. Pumulo Mwangala, is the second child of Mukamba and Brenda Mwangala. He enjoyed normal health until he reached the age of 3 years, when he started to experience persistent ill health conditions including continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, ’racing’ heart type of pulse rate  and loss of appetite. His condition was initially misdiagnosed as Tuberculosis, and he spent six months in 2013-14 undergoing drug treatment for TB, with no improvement in symptoms.

Pumulo at home

In April 2014, a chest x-ray and electrocardiogram revealed the actual source of his health problems - Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). ASD is a congenital heart defect in which part of the atrial septum does not form properly leaving is a hole in the septum, the muscular wall which separates the heart’s two upper chambers. As a result, some oxygenated blood from the left atrium flows through the hole in the septum into the right atrium, and the heart has to pump harder to compensate. Today, Pumulo has chronic shortness of breath and is at higher risk of infection because the oxygen level in his blood is below normal. He has to remain indoors and be kept calm most of the day, which as anyone with an active four year old can tell you, is no easy task!

Pumulo's medical ordeal has been extremely taxing for his family. On top of the stress of having a sick child, their journey through the medical system has been frustrating to say the least. Pumulo has spent 8 out of the last 11 months admitted in the main University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in the capital, Lusaka, based on repeated assurances that a surgery could be performed. But to no avail. His parents live and work on the Copperbelt (several hours away) and have had to spend many days and weeks at the hospital, assisted by other relatives when they have to go back to work. The prolonged hospitals stays are also taking their toll on Pumulo's development. He gets agitated being cooped up, is rarely able to play with other children, and hasn't been receiving any schooling.

Pumulo plays on his hospital bed

For a more detailed medical history, please click here .

Treatment Plan

ASD can be corrected quite successfully with surgery, and the procedure is fairly routine in many major hospitals in developed countries. India is the destination of choice for medical treatment for many international patients, and for good reason. India has world-class hospitals, extremely experienced surgeons, and relatively affordable prices. With the assistance of his Zambian doctors, Pumulo's medical records were sent to three hospitals in New Dehli for evaluation. The treatment plans and costs estimates were all very similar – a week of evaluation and tests, the surgery, a couple of days in ICU for recovery, and about two weeks of follow-up. In all, the medical costs will be about $7,000 USD and airfare for Pumulo and his father will cost about $3,000.

Fund Raising Committee

$10,000 is not a bad price for life-saving pediatric heart surgery, but well beyond the ability of Brenda and Mwangala to cover on their own. Relatives and friends have come together to help raise funds for the family. In addition to Pumulo's parents, the fundraising committee includes Pumulo's Uncle Patrick in South Africa, and a former workmate of Mwangala, Andy Lyons , in California, USA. Questions and suggestions are very welcome. Together, we can make sure this adorable kid has a chance for a normal life that all children deserve.  
 Pumulo and his father Mwangala


Any and all donations are warmly welcome!

For additional information or to make a donation in Zambia, please contact:

Mwangala Mukamba
[email redacted]
[email redacted]
+260 [phone redacted]72
+260 [phone redacted]72
+260 [phone redacted]72