DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER President Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has commended NMB Bank for its support of cardiac treatment for underprivileged children at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).
He noted that the bank’s contribution brought hope and relief to parents of children with heart complications.
Kikwete made the remarks during the ‘Night of Giving’ fundraising dinner hosted by JKCI, where NMB presented a symbolic cheque for 1bn/-, following a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The four-year MoU commits NMB to donating 250m/- each year to support paediatric cardiac patients at JKCI.
“I commend NMB for supporting this noble cause, which will bring smiles to over 1,500 children diagnosed with heart conditions,” Dr Kikwete said.
Of these, 500 require urgent medical attention, underlining the importance of raising funds to ensure their timely treatment.
Dr Kikwete also acknowledged the government’s commitment, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to cover more than 70 per cent of the costs for cardiac care.
He noted that contributions from NMB and other partners are essential for providing comprehensive treatment to these children.
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NMB Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ruth Zaipuna, expressed the bank’s dedication to complementing government efforts by allocating 1bn/- to support cardiac treatment at JKCI.
She highlighted the high costs of cardiac care, which can overwhelm many families and emphasised the bank’s role in bridging this financial gap to assist affected families.
Ms Zaipuna urged other corporations to join this vital cause, stressing that combined efforts will enable JKCI to better fulfil its mission.
JKCI’s Executive Director, Dr Peter Kisenge, noted the institute’s significant advancements in treating heart conditions.
“We now manage over 97 per cent of heart cases internally. Of every 100 children born, one or two are diagnosed with heart issues, and we perform over 743 openheart surgeries annually unmatched by any other institution in East and Central Africa,” he said.
Since 2015, JKCI has conducted over 4,839 heart surgeries and served more than 608,000 patients.
Dr Kisenge also announced the launch of the ‘Samia Outreach Programme,’ which aims to bring cardiac services to communities across Tanzania.
The programme has already reached 17,000 people in 17 regions.
Additionally, Mr Abdulmarik Mollel, a JKCI trustee, reported that the ‘Night of Giving’ gala raised over 2.7bn/-, reflecting strong community support for this essential initiative.
