In a bid to support community welfare through its corporate citizenship initiatives, Absa Bank Tanzania has donated TZS 20 million to support treatment for children living with heart disease across Tanzania.
The support will be provided through the Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF), a non-governmental organization established by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), to help children from vulnerable backgrounds access life-saving cardiac treatment and care.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser, said the partnership reflects the Bank's commitment to being an active Force for Good in the communities it serves.
Our purpose is to be a Force for Good in everything we do, and this partnership is a reflection of that commitment in action.
We recognize the remarkable work undertaken by the JCKI in providing specialized cardiac care to children and families across Tanzania.
By joining forces through this MoU, we are helping to expand access to life-saving treatment for children living with heart disease and offering hope to families facing significant health and financial challenges.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life, by investing in their health today, we are investing in their future stories, the well-being of their families and the long-term prosperity of our communities. We are honoured to partner with Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in this important initiative and contribute to improving the lives of children across Tanzania,” he added.
Receiving the donation, JKCI Executive Director, Dr. Peter Kisenge commended Absa Bank Tanzania for its support, noting that the contribution will help expand access to critical cardiac treatment for children living with heart disease.
He said that heart diseases are increasing rapidly worldwide, including in Tanzania, the victims also include children, with more than 70 percent born with the condition, in addition to those who develop it after birth.
“This support comes at a crucial time for many children and families in need of specialized cardiac care,” he said.
Beyond helping us save lives, it highlights the important role that partnerships between the private sector and healthcare institutions can play in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes in Tanzania.
“I thank His Excellency the President and his government for covering more than 70 percent of the costs, on behalf of the JKCI Board and on behalf of the government, for the way you continue to support Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in restoring hope and giving people love. Absa has acted and fulfilled exactly what the President requires”, added Dr. Kisenge.
Some of the parents who benefited from the support, including Mariam Athumani, whose child, Lightness has already undergone heart surgery, and Adam Nuhu, whose child, Ajmalbey is awaiting surgery, expressed their gratitude to Absa Bank while appealing to other institutions to volunteer their assistance, given the immense challenges faced by parents of children with heart conditions.
Absa affirms that the donation underscores the financial institution’s unwavering commitment to empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time.
By supporting access to life-saving cardiac treatment for children with heart disease, the initiative aims to improve health outcomes, alleviate the financial burden on affected families, and foster healthier, more resilient communities across the country.
