The need for a self-sustaining congenital heart program in Kenya is profound. Over 10,000 babies are born each year in the country with a congenital heart defect, yet the country has no dedicated congenital heart program to treat these children. Lacking access to modern medical cardiac care, many of these children fail to live past their early childhood years. In addition, a significant number of children and young people in Kenya and East Africa suffer from heart disease due to poor living conditions. Bacteria found in untreated water can lead to rheumatic fever, which often results in damage to heart valves. Children with rheumatic heart disease cannot run and play like healthy children. They need heart surgery to be able to live like other children.
With little or no resources, where can the families of these children turn?
They can turn to the Hearts for Kids Program of the Take Heart Association Project (THAP).
Success Stories
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MercyRita - 11 years oldSuccessfully operated on at The Mater Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya on April 22, 2009. MercyRita is recovering well. |
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Ramadhan - 17 years oldOperated on at Mater Hospital in July, 2009. He is recovering well and we continue to monitor his progress. |
