Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is targeting more than Sh200 million through a marathon to help 100 children with heart conditions undergo surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).
The TPDC Marathon 2026, themed “Your Step Saves a Life”, will be held on November 21 at the Police Officers Mess grounds in Masaki, featuring 5km, 10km and 21km races.
JKCI director general Dr Peter Kisenge said about two in every 100 children born each day have heart defects caused by structural abnormalities or inherited conditions.
He said about 1,500 children at JKCI currently require urgent heart surgery, with treatment for one child costing between Sh8 million and Sh10 million.
“The government covers 70 percent of the treatment costs for children with heart conditions, particularly those from poor families. The remaining costs are covered through support from various stakeholders, including TPDC,” he said.
Dr Kisenge urged the public to participate in the marathon and help children from disadvantaged families access specialised cardiac treatment.
TPDC acting managing director Derick Moshi said the marathon was intended to mobilise resources for children requiring heart surgery while promoting community participation.
He said the initiative formed part of TPDC’s contribution to social development alongside its responsibilities in the oil and gas sector.
“This is more than a message about running; it is a call to take action, join forces and use the opportunities we have as institutions and individuals to make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives,” he said.
TPDC previously supported children with heart conditions through a 2022 charity run that raised Sh100 million for the treatment and surgery of 50 children.
Mr Moshi said the corporation was inviting public and private sector institutions, companies, health facilities, development partners, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, athletes, jogging clubs and members of the public to support the 2026 initiative.
He said support could be provided through sponsorship, participation, employee mobilisation or direct contributions towards treatment.
The marathon is open to people with different levels of fitness, with participants able to run or walk.
Mr Moshi said the event would also promote physical exercise and healthy lifestyles while raising funds for children requiring specialised cardiac care.
