Dr Maria da Glória Costa Mawete

I am a pediatric cardiologist and the Head of the Pediatric Cardiology Department at Complexo Hospitalar de Doenças Cardio-Pulmonares, Angola, where I lead clinical services and oversee medical training programs. With extensive experience in the management of congenital and acquired heart diseases in children, I am deeply committed to advancing cardiovascular care in Angola and across the African region.
Over the years, I have actively contributed to national and regional initiatives aimed at improving access to high-quality cardiac care. I played a pivotal role in implementing secondary prophylaxis programs for rheumatic heart disease and establishing congenital heart disease screening protocols using pulse oximetry in newborns. My advocacy has also led to collaborations with international organizations, promoting surgical and percutaneous treatment opportunities for pediatric patients in Angola.
My motivation for joining the World Heart Federation lies in the opportunity to promote equitable access to cardiovascular care and foster global partnerships to address neglected cardiovascular diseases. I believe that a collaborative and inclusive approach is essential to achieving WHF’s mission of cardiovascular health for everyone.
In addition to my clinical and leadership roles, I am a founding member and Secretary General of the Angolan Pediatric Cardiology Council and SG assistant for Southern Region at Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) to strengthen cardiology networks across the southern region. I have also organized and facilitated educational courses in ECG and echocardiography to build local capacity in cardiac diagnostics.
I am honored to contribute to the WHF’s mission and look forward to advancing initiatives that make a meaningful impact on global heart health.