The number of heart diseases among Namibian children and adults has been increasing steadily over the years, and the lack of infrastructure and skilled professionals has delayed the process of tending to these patients.
In efforts to assist the health ministry to cater for every Namibian born or living with congenital heart disease (CHD) and any other heart disease, Dr. Fenny Shidhika, who is a paediatric cardiologist, founded the Namibia National Children’s Heart Trust (NNCHT) in 2022.
This trust acts as a channel to gather donations in cash or human/material resources, locally and internationally, to assist the ministry.
Since its establishment, the NNCHT has been relying on support to fund its innovative and sustainable projects. Besides monetary support, human resources as well as new equipment are a priority to meet the trust’s objectives.
“We intend to build a comprehensive and holistic paediatric cardiac service delivering equitable, effective, efficient, quality, timely, safe and sustainable care to all. We possess profound passion to change the narrative, to direct and influence policy regarding overall healthcare provision in Namibia and internationally,” said Shidhika.
In light of this, the trust will host its first inaugural fundraising gala dinner, which aims to provide affordable and accessible care, simultaneously creating awareness by performing between 150 and 200 transcatheter and surgical procedures per annum.
This event is set to take place on Saturday, 25 March at the Safari Court Hotel, and Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma will deliver the keynote address to further advocate the cause.
Chairperson of the trust, Dr Solly Amadhila looks forward to a positive response, saying this is an initiative of not self-gain, but pure philanthropy through medical professionals who want to make a change.
“This trust is a big step for Namibia, as many children and adults with heart disease have been referred to Cape Town for attention and treatment through a private-public outsourcing agreement with the Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital. Now, with aid from the University of Cape Town, the Namibia National Children’s Heart Trust runs an electronic database to measure the increase and severity of CHD. With this information, CHD and other heart diseases in Namibia can be managed. We rely on public and private support to ensure that we save one life at a time,” he announced excitedly.
The NNCHT’s prime concerns are to create an environment which attracts, retains and enables the right individuals to perform at their best and be recognised, ensure that projects invested in are innovative and sustainable and make an impact on children’s lives, and achieve financial sustainability and good governance of the trust and its projects.
Projects lined up focus on services that will enrich lives, and keep the Namibian child hopeful.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the gala dinner event through pledges, the booking of corporate tables and the commitment of resources needed to achieve the trust’s objectives.
* To get in contact, donate or book a table, simply visit the NNCHT website at https://namibiachildrenshearttrust.com/ or email fenny.shidhika@alumni.uct.ac.za.