Vodacom Tanzania, through its Foundation, has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Heart Team Africa Foundation, a specialized foundation under the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), marking a major milestone in the fight against pediatric heart disease in Tanzania.
The signing ceremony at JKCI coincided with World Heart Day 2025, held under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”, a global call to prioritize heart health through early detection and lifestyle change.
According to a recent study conducted by Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, an estimated 2 out of every 100 children are born with congenital heart disease (CHD), and 3% of children aged 5–15 suffer from rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a preventable condition caused by untreated throat infections.
Each year, more than 4,000 children require surgery, yet access to care remains limited. Although the Government subsidizes 70% of costs, the remaining 30% is still unaffordable for many families in dire need. JKCI currently has over 350 children on its waiting list for surgery.
Speaking on the gravity of the issue, Dr. Peter Kisenge, Executive Director of JKCI, emphasized the urgency: “Behind every statistic is a child with dreams and parents with hope. This partnership will help us close the gap between need and access, ensuring that more children live to see a healthy future”.
Dr. Naizihijwa Majani, CEO of Heart Team Africa Foundation and pediatric cardiologist, added: “At Heart Team Africa, we see every day how the cost of treatment can stand between a child and their future. This partnership with Vodacom and JKCI is more than financial support; it is a lifeline. Together, we are building a Tanzania where no parent has to choose between poverty and their child’s heartbeat.”
Earlier this year, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation launched the Amini Initiative in Zanzibar, pledging to sponsor 150 children by covering the remaining 30% of treatment costs. So far, 38 children, ranging from 2 months to 14 years old, have already received successful surgeries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vodacom Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Philip Besiimire, said, “Now is the time to act, that is why we are here. This MoU is about turning belief into action through the Amini Initiative. Together with JKCI, we are opening the door to a future where no child’s life is cut short due to lack of access to life-changing medical interventions, but instead given the chance to heal, to hope, and to thrive.”
Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, JKCI, and Heart Team Africa Foundation are calling on partners, donors, and stakeholders to join forces in this lifesaving mission: This is a national call to action. We invite governments, corporates, and individuals to stand with us, so that no Tanzanian child is left waiting for a lifesaving surgery.
