Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 25 May 2026 – 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 campaign aimed at supporting children suffering from heart diseases across Tanzania.
The campaign seeks to unite Tanzanians from all walks of life under one shared purpose — giving children born with heart conditions a second chance at life through access to critical cardiac treatment and care.
Speaking during the launch event, JKCI Executive Director, Dr. Peter Kisenge, emphasized the urgent need for collective national support in addressing the growing burden of pediatric heart diseases in the country.
“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.
He noted that approximately 4,000 children in Tanzania urgently require heart surgery, with many families unable to afford the cost of specialized treatment.
“For many families, time is not just money — it is life. Through Kutoa Ni Moyo, we are calling upon every Tanzanian, institutions, corporate organizations, and 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.
Speaking at the launch, HTAF Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Naizihijwa Majani, said 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,” said Dr. Majani.
“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,” she added.
According to global health statistics, cardiovascular diseases claim approximately 17.9 million lives annually, making them the leading cause of death worldwide.
Dr. Majani further highlighted the urgent reality facing children born with congenital heart conditions.
“One 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 said.
The campaign aims to raise TZS 25 billion through nationwide participation involving individuals, corporate organizations, development partners, institutions, the diaspora, celebrities, sports communities, and the general public.
Funds raised through the initiative will support:
- Cardiac surgeries and treatment for children
- Early diagnosis and screening programs
- Heart health awareness and prevention initiatives
- Support services for affected families
The campaign will also leverage digital technology and crowdfunding platforms to enable Tanzanians across the country and abroad 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 in both cash and in-kind contributions, demonstrating the willingness of Tanzanians to come together in support of life-saving healthcare initiatives.
About HTAF
The Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the fight against cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania and across Africa. The foundation works closely with JKCI to support patient care, awareness creation, prevention initiatives, fundraising, and partnerships aimed at expanding access to cardiac treatment.
Guided by the belief that every heartbeat matters, HTAF mobilizes resources and communities to ensure that children and underserved populations can access life-saving heart care.
About JKCI
The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) is Tanzania’s national specialized hospital for cardiovascular care, mandated to provide high-quality heart treatment services, training, and research.
Since its establishment, JKCI has played a leading role in advancing cardiac healthcare in Tanzania by offering specialized treatment for both adults and children, while also strengthening local medical expertise and expanding access to life-saving heart services across the country.
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