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SUNHEART

Welcome to SUNHEART.

“SUNHEART – A Stellenbosch University centre that drives cardiology training, research and outreach."

SUNHEART was launched in 2014 as platform for the Division of Cardiology at Stellenbosch University (SU) and Tygerberg Hospital to harness the talent and enthusiasm of our leading cardiologists and staff to drive world-class cardiology training, generate independent funding to drive impactful research and outreach programs across the African continent. SUNHEART is housed within the Stellenbosch Trust (NPO nr 027432O), a registered non-profit and public beneficiary organisation, providing a transparent and efficient vehicle for our funding partners to support this vital work.

Our Mission

SUNHEART provides essential, flexible funding needed to sustain and expand the Division of Cardiology's infrastructure and expertise beyond the limitations of public university and government health department budgets.While the Division remains accountable to Stellenbosch University for its research and training, and to the Department of Health for its service delivery, SUNHEART empowers us to set and achieve our own aspirational standards.We are committed to delivering advanced, international-standard cardiac care to the Western Cape community and to training the next generation of African cardiology leaders. Our ambition is clear: to be the premier cardiology training and research centre on the continent.

Our vision and goals:

Our vision is to empower the Division of Cardiology at SU and Tygerberg Hospital to lead the advancement of cardiac health in Africa.

World-Class Care: Provide advanced, international-standard cardiac healthcare to the people of the Western Cape.
Equitable Access: Work towards ensuring equal access to high-quality cardiac care for all communities, particularly those previously disadvantaged.
Training Excellence: Serve as a leading training hub for students from across Africa, upskilling healthcare services both in South Africa and on the broader continent.
Centre of Excellence: Further establish the Division as a centre of excellence in specialised fields, including: transradial Interventions (e.g., transradial angiography) advanced cardiac imaging, valvular and pericardial disease.
Impactful Research: Continue to conduct ethical research that is directly relevant to the specific cardiac diseases and healthcare environment of the South African and African context.

Strategic objectives:

To achieve our vision, SUNHEART focuses on three core strategic objectives:

Advance Cardiology Training: Promote and expand cardiology training by establishing sufficient training posts to meet the urgent need for advanced cardiac expertise in underserved areas across South Africa and the African continent.
Drive Relevant Research: Promote and fund cutting-edge research in cardiology specifically targeting the unique diseases and challenges affecting the people of this continent.
Expand Service Infrastructure: Create and maintain the infrastructure, equipment, and expertise required to expand advanced cardiology services, ensuring they reach and benefit previously disadvantaged communities.

Image by: Cardiology division

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