The financial burden of treating children born with heart conditions has renewed calls for individuals, organisations and the wider community to support families struggling to meet the cost of cardiac care.
The call was made by Mikoh Outreach Foundation after the organisation visited children receiving treatment for heart conditions and mothers who had recently delivered at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Dar Group Hospital, as part of activities to mark World Heart Day.
The foundation distributed gifts to the children, saying the gesture was intended to provide encouragement to families facing prolonged medical challenges.
Mikoh Outreach Foundation founder Yasmin Chali said the organisation primarily supports children born with heart conditions, particularly those from economically disadvantaged families.
She said the cost of cardiac treatment and surgery can leave some families unable to secure the care their children need.
“We mainly support children born with heart conditions, especially those from disadvantaged families who find it difficult to access cardiac treatment. We decided to visit them and give them small gifts because seeing them smile is what we are all about,” Ms Chali said.
She urged members of the public and organisations to contribute to efforts supporting children with heart conditions, saying assistance should not be limited to people with large financial resources.
“Even a small contribution can make a difference in a child’s life,” she said.
The foundation's intervention comes as health professionals continue to stress the importance of early detection and appropriate care for heart conditions among children.
Dr Eva Wakuganda, a specialist cardiologist at JKCI Dar Group, said World Heart Day should also serve as a reminder to people to monitor their heart health and seek medical attention early.
She said about one in every 100 children is born with a heart condition, although the causes vary.
Some cases may be associated with family history, certain illnesses affecting the mother or other complications during pregnancy, while in some children the cause cannot be established, Dr Wakuganda said.
She urged pregnant women to begin antenatal care early and consult health professionals about medicines they use for existing conditions.
“Medical advice is particularly important for women who are taking medication for long-term conditions, so that their treatment can be properly managed during pregnancy,” she said.
Dr Wakuganda said parents of children with heart conditions also face significant financial pressure, particularly when a child requires surgery or specialised treatment.
She welcomed the foundation's visit, saying such support can help families feel less isolated while their children undergo treatment.
She also encouraged the public to use World Heart Day to take practical steps to protect their health, including regular check-ups and early medical consultation when symptoms arise.
“It is important for people to know their numbers and get regular check-ups, but also to support children who are born with heart conditions. One of the challenges their mothers face is lack of money for treatment and surgery,” she said.
She thanked Mikoh Outreach Foundation for visiting the children, saying the gesture had helped bring smiles to patients and their families.
The foundation's appeal highlights the role of community support alongside medical services in helping children with heart conditions access treatment and maintain their quality of life.