Kikwete to lead fundraising for heart treatment of 1,500 children
Former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The fundraising effort is intended to provide life-saving treatment for children whose families cannot afford the necessary medical care.
Dar es Salaam. Former President, Jakaya Kikwete, is set to lead a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the treatment of 1,500 children suffering from various heart conditions at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).
The announcement was made over the weekend by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Musa Azzan Zungu, who also revealed that the fundraising is scheduled for November 2 in Dar es Salaam.
The fundraising effort is intended to provide life-saving treatment for children whose families cannot afford the necessary medical care.
“According to statistics from the ministry of Health, two out of every 100 children born in Tanzania have heart problems. Currently, 1,500 children are registered for treatment but lack the financial means,” Zungu revealed.
The Deputy Speaker, who also serves as the Chairman of the Heart Team Africa Foundation Board, emphasised the urgency of timely treatment, noting that many of these children could face life-threatening situations without the necessary medical intervention.
He urged all Tanzanians to participate in the fundraiser, emphasising the critical role that public support plays in supplementing the government’s efforts.
“I call upon Tanzanians to join hands in supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiatives to enhance maternal and child healthcare services,” Zungu said.
He added that the government currently covers 70 percent of medical costs for children with heart conditions, and this fundraiser seeks to bridge the remaining gap.
He further highlighted that many of these children come from underprivileged families, and he appealed to various institutions, organisations, and individuals to step forward and contribute.
The goal is to raise Sh4 million per child, amounting to 30 percent of the total treatment costs.
“We invite all Tanzanians, businesspeople, private and public institutions, sports clubs, artists, ambassadors, and the media to support this noble cause under the theme ‘Bring Light, Touch Hearts, and Bring Hope to Children,’” he added.
JKCI Director General, Dr Peter Kisenge, praised President Samia for her continued investment in the health sector, which has led to significant improvements in healthcare services.
He noted that JKCI now attracts patients from various countries seeking specialised treatment.
“I commend President Samia for her vision in transforming healthcare. Her investment in modern medical equipment and training of specialised experts has brought about significant changes,” Dr Kisenge stated.
