Healing Little Hearts: A Lifeline for Children with Congenital Heart Disease
In a country where access to specialised healthcare can mean the difference between life and death, the partnership between M.P. Shah Children’s Hospital and the Healing Little Hearts (HLH) charity has become a beacon of hope for Kenyan children living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). With its biannual heart surgery initiative, this collaboration delivers life-saving interventions, helping children defy the odds stacked against them.
CHD, the most common birth defect globally, affects approximately 1 in every 100 children. A structural abnormality in the heart present at birth, affecting its ability to function properly. These defects can range from simple issues, such as a small hole in the heart, to complex malformations that require urgent medical intervention. Without timely treatment, CHD can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, developmental delays, and even early death. In Kenya alone, over 10,000 babies are born with CHD annually, and the Ministry of Health estimates that more than 200,000 children under 18 live with some form of heart disease. However, the availability and affordability of advanced cardiac care remain limited, often condemning these children to shortened lives.
To address this gap, M.P. Shah Hospital, in partnership with HLH, the Jain Social Group, and doctors from London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, has developed a robust program aimed at offering free cardiac surgeries to children in need. This initiative is spearheaded by renowned experts, including Dr. Salim Jivanji, a paediatric cardiologist, and Dr. Bhupi Reel, a paediatric intensivist. Twice a year, in May and November, the program hosts heart screening camps, followed by two weeks of corrective surgeries that save countless young lives.
The Healing Little Hearts mission
Founded in 2007, HLH has made it their mission to ensure that no child is denied life-saving heart surgery due to financial constraints. Though the charity began its work in India, its reach has expanded to other regions, including Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and parts of Europe. Since partnering with M.P. Shah Hospital in 2016, HLH has supported over 200 children in Kenya, repairing life-threatening congenital heart defects.
The charity’s volunteers, from surgeons and anaesthetists to cardiologists and nurses, dedicate their time and expertise free of charge. Their commitment extends beyond surgeries; they also focus on building capacity within the host country, mentoring local healthcare professionals and fostering the long-term goal of creating self-sustaining cardiac care programs.
The fight for sustainability
Running a program of this magnitude is a costly affair. Each interventional procedure costs approximately Ksh 800,000, while open-heart surgeries average Ksh 1,200,000. In cases of post-operative complications, costs can escalate to over Ksh 2,000,000. These expenses are largely covered through donations, with significant contributions from the Jain Social Group and other benefactors.
M.P. Shah Hospital also plays a critical role in financing the program. As a Social Service League, part of the income generated by the Children’s Hospital is allocated to subsidise the costs of these complex surgeries. Advanced medical equipment, such as heart-lung bypass machines and a cutting-edge cardiac catheterisation laboratory, ensures that the team can deliver world-class care. The hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit is specially equipped to manage post-operative cases requiring critical attention for up to 72 hours.
A legacy of hope
What sets this initiative apart is its vision to leave a lasting impact. Beyond performing surgeries, HLH and M.P. Shah Hospital aim to create a self-reliant paediatric cardiac care program in Kenya. This involves training local healthcare workers, establishing mentoring systems, and continuously improving the infrastructure needed for advanced cardiac procedures.
For families, the program is a lifeline. It transforms despair into hope, offering their children not just a chance at survival but the opportunity to thrive. For the children themselves, it’s a fresh lease on life – the chance to grow up, dream big, and live without the shadow of heart disease looming over them.
Moving forward
The journey to sustain and expand this vital program is fraught with challenges, particularly financial ones. Yet, the collective efforts of donors, healthcare professionals, and volunteers demonstrate what can be achieved when compassion and expertise come together.
As the program continues to grow, the hope is not just to save lives but to inspire others to join the cause. With every surgery performed and every young life saved, the message is clear: no child should be denied the chance to live a healthy and full life simply because of where they were born.
For parents, caregivers, and supporters, the work being done by M.P. Shah Children’s Hospital and HLH is more than just medical intervention—it’s a testament to the power of humanity. This is not just about healing hearts; it’s about giving families the most precious gift of all: time with their loved ones.
If you wish to contribute or learn more about this life-changing initiative, visit M.P. Shah Hospital’s website or connect with the Healing Little Hearts charity. Together, we can ensure every child gets the chance to beat the odds and live their healthiest life.
