JKCI, Vodacom Tanzania partner to expand access to paediatric heart care

Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to expand access to paediatric heart care.

The agreement was signed by the telcom firm through its charity arm Vodacom Foundation Tanzania, and the Heart Team Africa Foundation, a specialised foundation under the JKCI.

The two organisations described the initiative as a milestone in the fight against paediatric 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 prioritise heart health through early detection and lifestyle change.

Under the MoU, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation will be contributing some cost in providing paediatric cardiac heart care.

According to a recent study conducted by Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, an estimated two out of every 100 children are born with congenital heart disease (CHD), and three percent 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, according to the study, yet access to care remains limited.

Although the Government subsidizes 70 percent of costs, the remaining 30 percent 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, JKCI executive director, Dr Peter Kisenge, emphasised 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,” he said.

Heart Team Africa Foundation chief executive officer and paediatric cardiologist, Dr Naizihijwa Majani, said 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,” he said.

Earlier this year, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation launched the Amini Initiative in Zanzibar, pledging to sponsor 150 children by covering the remaining 30 percent of treatment costs.

So far, 38 children, ranging from two months to 14 years old, have already received successful surgeries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vodacom Tanzania chief executive officer, Mr Philip Besiimire, said the 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,” he said.

Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, JKCI, and Heart Team Africa Foundation are calling on partners, donors, and stakeholders to join forces in the lifesaving mission.