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| Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser (second left), and Executive Director of Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Dr. Peter Kisenge, exchange signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents, shortly after formalising the partnership between the two institutions. During the ceremony, Absa Bank Tanzania also donated TZS 20 million to support cardiac treatment for children from underprivileged families. From left are Absa Bank Tanzania Company Secretary, Mr. Desmond Malyi, and Global Medicare General Manager, Mr. Daniel Lazaro. |
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Reinforcing its commitment to creating a positive social impact through corporate citizenship, Absa Bank Tanzania has donated TZS 20 million to support the treatment of children living with heart disease across Tanzania.
The funding will be channelled through the Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF), a non-governmental organisation established by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI). The initiative is aimed at helping children from vulnerable families gain access to specialised, life-saving cardiac treatment and care.
The donation was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dar es Salaam, marking the beginning of a partnership focused on improving access to quality healthcare for children with heart conditions.
Absa Reaffirms Its Commitment to Being a Force for Good
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser, said the partnership reflects the Bank's purpose of being a Force for Good by making a meaningful difference in the lives of Tanzanians.
"Our purpose is to be a Force for Good in everything we do, and this partnership is a reflection of that commitment in action. We recognize the remarkable work undertaken by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in providing specialized cardiac care to children and families across Tanzania."
He noted that by partnering with JKCI through the Heart Team Africa Foundation, Absa is helping to expand access to life-saving treatment for children living with heart disease while offering hope to families facing both medical and financial hardships.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. By investing in their health today, we are investing in their future stories, the well-being of their families and the long-term prosperity of our communities. We are honoured to partner with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in this important initiative and contribute to improving the lives of children across Tanzania," Laiser added.
JKCI Welcomes the Support
Receiving the donation, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute Executive Director, Dr. Peter Kisenge, praised Absa Bank Tanzania for its contribution, describing it as timely and impactful for children requiring specialised heart treatment.
According to Dr. Kisenge, heart disease continues to rise globally and in Tanzania, with children increasingly affected. He noted that more than 70 percent of paediatric heart disease cases are congenital, while others develop after birth.
"This support comes at a crucial time for many children and families in need of specialized cardiac care. Beyond helping us save lives, it highlights the important role that partnerships between the private sector and healthcare institutions can play in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes in Tanzania."
Dr. Kisenge also acknowledged the Government of Tanzania for its continued investment in healthcare, noting that the government currently covers more than 70 percent of treatment costs for patients receiving care at the institute.
He further thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising healthcare services and commended Absa for aligning its corporate social responsibility efforts with the government's vision of improving the lives of Tanzanians.
"On behalf of the JKCI Board and the Government, I sincerely thank Absa Bank Tanzania for supporting the government's efforts to restore hope and improve the lives of our people. Absa has demonstrated exactly the kind of partnership that supports the President's vision."
Families Share Their Gratitude
Parents whose children have benefited from the programme also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support.
Among them were Mariam Athumani, whose daughter Lightness has successfully undergone heart surgery, and Adam Nuhu, whose son Ajmalbey is currently awaiting surgery.
The parents thanked Absa Bank Tanzania for easing the financial burden associated with specialised cardiac treatment and appealed to more organisations and corporate institutions to support children living with heart disease, noting the immense emotional and financial challenges families often face.
Investing in Healthier Communities
The donation forms part of Absa Bank Tanzania's broader corporate citizenship agenda, which focuses on creating sustainable impact by investing in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development.
By supporting access to life-saving cardiac treatment for children with heart disease, the Bank aims to improve health outcomes, reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families and contribute to building healthier and more resilient communities across Tanzania.
The partnership with the Heart Team Africa Foundation further reinforces Absa's purpose of "Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together… one story at a time," demonstrating how strategic collaboration between the private sector and healthcare institutions can transform lives and create lasting social impact.
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