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On March 18, Secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee, Nguyen Van Quang, presented the prestigious 'Dedication to Da Nang' award to Professor Erich Johann Lejeune and his wife, Dr. Irène Lejeune. This accolade recognizes their enduring commitment to supporting the city's healthcare sector, particularly in advancing the treatment of congenital heart disease in children.

The occasion also marked the inauguration of an interventional room at Da Nang Hospital, equipped with the state-of-the-art Azurion 7 digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system. This cutting-edge technology was generously provided by the non-governmental organization 'Heart for the Heart.

Da Nang City leaders presented the "Dedication to Da Nang" award to Professor Erich Johann Lejeune. (Photo: Da Nang Hospital)

The organization 'Heart for the Heart' was established in Germany in 2003 by Professor Erich Johann Lejeune and Dr. Irène Lejeune with the noble mission of supporting impoverished communities. In 2006, a call from Da Nang Hospital regarding three children with congenital heart disease in urgent need of intervention marked the beginning of a nearly two-decade-long journey of collaboration with the Da Nang health sector.

Since then, 'Heart for the Heart' has contributed millions of euros in modern medical equipment and facilitated the transfer of advanced cardiovascular intervention techniques. These efforts have resulted in screenings for over 350,000 children with congenital heart disease and nearly 3,000 life-saving surgeries.

In its inaugural year, the organization funded the first Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) system at Da Nang Hospital, revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. In 2013, they supported the establishment of the Congenital and Structural Heart Department, alongside the donation of a second DSA system valued at nearly 27 billion VND, creating life-changing opportunities for thousands of patients. Responding to growing demands in 2024, the organization contributed over 1 million EUR (equivalent to more than 27 billion VND) for the installation of a third DSA system.

Beyond providing equipment, Professor Lejeune and Dr. Irène Lejeune have connected Da Nang Hospital with world-renowned medical experts. These specialists offered direct training and professional guidance during the formation of the Congenital and Structural Heart Department, significantly enhancing treatment quality and outcomes.

Professor Lejeune shared with the press his remarkable journey as a volunteer, recalling his impoverished childhood and the harrowing realities of war. At the age of 24, upon seeing the iconic photo of the 'Napalm Girl' fleeing bombs in Trang Bang, Tay Ninh, he joined hundreds of Germans in protesting the war and advocating for peace in Vietnam.

Later, after achieving success in the semiconductor industry, he and his wife, Dr. Irène Lejeune, pondered a profound question: 'What do we do with our money?' The answer came unexpectedly in the form of a call from Da Nang Hospital. From that moment on, their enduring partnership with Vietnam began.

'We and you are like a family. After nearly 20 years of collaboration with Da Nang Hospital, we feel that this is a country of love,' Professor Lejeune shared warmly.

Looking ahead to 2026, a significant milestone year marking the 20th anniversary of their cooperation with Da Nang Hospital and Dr. Irène Lejeune's 80th birthday, the couple unveiled special plans. They aim to sponsor another DSA system and launch a project to support disadvantaged mothers and children undergoing heart disease treatment.

In addition to his extensive contributions, Professor Lejeune, currently an honorary lecturer at the School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Da Nang, aspires to act as an 'ambassador,' fostering connections between the university and training facilities as well as medical centers in Germany. His vision aims to unlock numerous future opportunities for international collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Le Quang Nam, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: 'The noble hearts of the couple not only leave a deep impression on the medical sector but also serve as a symbol of love and compassion for the community.'

Beyond Da Nang, the organization 'Heart for the Heart' extends its support to provide free congenital heart disease treatment for thousands of underprivileged children in provinces such as the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands, and other remote areas. The organization also equips hospitals with modern medical technology, including sponsoring the interventional cardiac catheterization room at the Cardiovascular Center of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

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