The Ministry of Health estimates that more than 200,000 children under 18 years suffer from heart disease in Kenya. About 50% of these have congenital heart problems (hole in the heart) of various types and severity. The other 50% have acquired heart disease – usually rheumatic in origin, stemming originally from a streptococcal sore throat which was ill managed.
At least 3000 children are born with congenital heart defects in Kenya each year. A small percentage (10%) is correctible through interventional catheterization. Another 10% are probably uncorrectable. The rest (about 2300) need to undergo heart surgery of some kind to correct the condition. At the present time, approximately 100-150 children in Kenya receive this service each year. THAP's hospital partner, The Mater Hospital performs 65% of the surgeries that are done.
Acquired heart disease in children – largely rheumatic in origin – stems from complications of Rheumatic fever which has its origin in a “step throat” infection. In the western world there is much awareness about this and early and effective treatment of a sore throat has practically eliminated rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
For these reasons, THAP's waiting list of children and young adults with congenital and rheumatic heart defects continues to grow. There continues to be an increased need for our services.
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Geoffrey – waiting for heart surgery. |
