JKCI receives 100m/- funding for children’s heart surgery

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has received a donation of 100 million shillings from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Construction Company (EACOP) to help young children with heart problems who need surgery.

Speaking to the media in Dar es Salaam, JKCI Executive Director, Dr. Peter Kisenge, said the donation has come at the right time when there are children who need heart surgery but do not have the financial means.

Dr. Kisenge said that the donation will restore hope to children and Tanzanians who were unable to pay for heart treatment costs.

“Today, we have received a donation of 100m/- from our EACOP colleagues, which will cover the surgery of young children with heart problems. This is a great donation that carries great hope for families without the means,” said Dr. Kisenge.

He added that the funds will not only help children with serious conditions but will also increase the capacity of the institution to provide quality and sustainable services to children with heart problems.

“Since heart surgery costs a lot of money for one child, it is clear that many families cannot afford it, so this support will help restore the lives of children who were at risk of losing their lives, but we will also purchase necessary equipment that will be used in pediatric surgeries,” said Dr. Kisenge.

For his part, EACOP Project Manager Tanzania Branch, Geofrey Mponda, said that despite their involvement in the oil pipeline project, they have decided to get involved in health issues as part of remembering the community.

“Although our role is the construction of the oil pipeline, we felt it was important to touch people’s lives directly. Children are a sensitive group, and when touched, it also touches the foundation of tomorrow’s nation.”

He added, “When children are born, they know nothing about this world. When they face health challenges, society should help them by healing these children and preparing them to become future leaders and professionals,” said Mponda.

JKCI Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Naizihijwa Majani, has said that approximately 80 percent of children are born with heart problems.

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“Almost 80 percent of children who receive care here have congenital heart problems; however, if they receive treatment early, most of them recover completely and live normal lives.”

“Since we started providing this treatment, we have seen significant changes. Some have returned to school, others are in college, and some want to become doctors like us. This support changes the life of a child in general,” said Dr. Majani.

Through this support, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute will be able to purchase medical equipment to help children with heart problems.