The Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF), in partnership with The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), has officially launched “Kutoa Ni Moyo”, a national fundraising and awareness initiative aimed at supporting children suffering from heart diseases across Tanzania.
The campaign seeks to mobilize Tanzanians from all walks of life under one shared purpose which is giving children born with heart conditions a second chance at life through access to critical cardiac treatment and care.
Speaking during the launch event, Dr. Peter Kisenge, Executive Director of JKCI, emphasized the urgent need for collective national support.
“In Tanzania, over 16,000 children are born with heart problems annually. That means every single day, families wake up to news that could change their child’s future forever.” said Dr. Kisenge.
kutoanimoyo.chapaa.co.tz: “Kutoa Ni Moyo” Campaign unites Tanzanians to Save Children With Heart Disease“and about 4,000 children in Tanzania urgently require heart surgery. For many families, time is not just money it is life. Through Kutoa Ni Moyo, we are calling upon every Tanzanian, institutions, and corporate organization, government agencies, to become part of this life-saving movement,” he added.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with The Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cardiovascular care in Tanzania and across Africa.
Dr. Naizihijwa Majani, CEO of HTAF, noted that the campaign is designed not only to raise funds, but also to build national awareness and long-term community participation around heart health.
“Tanzania has a long-standing culture of solidarity and community support, Kutoa Ni Moyo ‘transforms small individual contributions into a national force for impact. Kutoa Ni Moyo is more than a fundraising campaign. It is a movement built on compassion, unity, and the belief that saving a child’s life is a responsibility we all share,” said Dr. Majani.
Cardiovascular diseases claim 17.9 million lives globally every year making them the world’s number one killer.
“1 in every 100 children is born with a heart defect. Chances are, someone in your community is silently fighting this battle right now. No parent should have to watch their child suffer simply because they cannot afford treatment.” she added.
The campaign aims to raise TZS 25 billion through nationwide participation from individuals, corporates, development partners, institutions, the diaspora, celebrities, sports communities, and the general public.
Funds raised through the campaign will support cardiac surgeries and treatment for children, early diagnosis and screening initiatives, heart health awareness and prevention programs, as well as support services for affected families
The initiative will leverage digital technology and crowdfunding platform to allow Tanzanians across the country and beyond to contribute easily and transparently toward the cause.
Recent fundraising efforts coordinated by stakeholders and partners have already raised more than TZS 3.08 billion, including both cash and in-kind contributions demonstrating the willingness of Tanzanians to come together for life-saving causes.
