We have facilitated open heart surgery for nine 21 Tanzanian children free of cost.
Menu
As you embrace the warmth of your heartbeat, remember those who long for the same warmth. Your donation can bring the gift of life to children in Africa. Support child heart care today.
Your donation can make a difference, providing essential care and surgeries to give these children a chance at a healthier future. Join us in the fight for child heart care in Africa.
Every year, countless little hearts in Africa start their journey with a defect, overshadowed by the harsh reality of limited access to vital care.
Your donation can transform their silent struggles into tales of triumph. Let’s give these hearts the fighting chance they deserve.
Caleb Shabaya was born on December 6, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital via cesarean section, along with his twin brother. They both weighed 2.2 kg at birth. Caleb lives with his parents in Joska, Machakos County. When Caleb was two weeks old, he developed breathing difficulties and was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital. After receiving treatment, he was stabilized and allowed to return home. However, at two months of age, Caleb became seriously ill with a cough, fever, and chest congestion. His mother took him back to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia after a series of tests. He was hospitalized for a month, and after treatment, he was discharged. By the age of one, Caleb began experiencing frequent illnesses and was admitted to the hospital multiple times. His mother started taking him for regular clinic visits at Kenyatta National Hospital, but the doctors were unable to determine the cause of his recurring pneumonia. He also exhibited delayed milestones, poor feeding habits, and excessive sweating. At nine years old, Caleb began having convulsions, even while at school. He also complained of fatigue after minimal physical activity and often bent forward while walking. At eleven, he became seriously ill again and was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital. After thorough examinations, the doctor recommended an echocardiogram. The results revealed a congenital heart condition known as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), and it was determined that Caleb needed open-heart surgery. While at Kenyatta National Hospital, a social worker from Care for a Child’s Heart (CFACH) visited Caleb’s ward and met with him and his mother. She introduced them to the organization and registered them for assistance, placing Caleb on CFACH’s waiting list. Two months later, CFACH held a mission trip at Kenyatta National Hospital, which included screenings for patients like Caleb. His mother was thrilled and took him for the screening, where he was selected for open-heart surgery. CFACH sponsored his surgery, which was conducted in June 2023 and was successful. Caleb is now doing well and is in Grade Nine at St. Francis Primary School. He is a jovial and playful child who loves football. He is now able to play without getting exhausted within just a few minutes. He hopes to become a professional footballer in future.
Sahara was born on November 30, 2019, at Wajir General Hospital, weighing 3.5 kg. She is the firstborn in a family of three children and lives with her parents in Likoni - Mombasa. At just one year of age, Sahara faced a challenging illness, suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, and fevers. Her parents' love drove them to Pandya Hospital in Mombasa, where doctors conducted various tests and provided medication. The physician recommended that her mother consults a cardiologist, setting the stage for their journey ahead. By the age of two, an echocardiogram test revealed that Sahara had a heart condition known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Despite the overwhelming news, her mother’s determination grew as she sought a second opinion at Kenyatta National Hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed. With Sahara's health declining and significant symptoms emerging, they knew they needed to take bold steps. Sahara’s mother courageously began attending cardiac clinics at Coast General Hospital, focusing on her daughter's well-being. In 2024, during a routine visit, the cardiologist shared the hopeful news of an upcoming mission from Care for a Child's Heart, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with heart conditions. After screening, Sahara was selected for open-heart surgery in August 2024. This procedure was going to be the first of its kind in the region. This attracted clinicians from neighbouring towns and countries to come witness this groundbreaking case. The surgery was conducted by Dr. Roberto DiDonato, a renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon from Rome, Italy. It was a great moment to watch Sahara leave theatre after 14 intense hours. The complex Nikaidoh procedure was done to fix the DTGA and Sahara stayed in the intensive Care Unit for eleven days.She thrived in the general ward where she stayed for a few days showcasing her incredible resilience. Today, Sahara is on the path to recovery. Since her surgery, she has attended two follow-up post-operative clinics, each confirming her remarkable progress. Her journey is a testament to the strength of love, hope, and the unwavering spirit of a young girl fighting for her future.
We have facilitated open heart surgery for nine 21 Tanzanian children free of cost.
Our vision is to create a community with affordable, accessible, and sustainable heart treatment care.
Cath Procedures In collaboration with our partners, we performed 17 interventional cardiac procedures free of cost since 2021. catheterization
We donated 10 heart valves and 8 conduits at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to support cardiac patients who were admitted and could not afford their treatment. We have also donated 2 Heart Lung Machines and 4 Heater-Cooler pumps at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
We are honored to be recognized for our effectiveness and success in helping children with congenital heart disease.
We are honored to partner with these medical facilities and their medical staff to help children with congenital heart disease.
CFACH targets underprivileged children in East, Central and South Africa that are suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD).