Echocardiogram for Namibian National Children's Heart Trust
The Capricorn Foundation was among corporate companies and donors who handed over a state-of-the-art echocardiogram machine to the Namibia National Children's Heart Trust last week.The foundation committed N$500 000 towards the procurement of the new GE Vivid E95 Ultra echocardiogram machine, the first of its kind in Namibia.
This contribution highlights the foundation's commitment to improving healthcare for children born with congenital heart disease in Namibia.
The handover event at Windhoek Central Hospital was an important step in efforts to ensure all children can access affordable and high-quality healthcare. The new echocardiogram machine will be used specifically for paediatric cardiology at the Central Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Capricorn Foundation Coordinator Veripura Muukua highlighted the importance of this initiative. “The Capricorn Foundation believes in partnering with like-minded organisations to achieve sustainable development and greater impact. This donation is a testament to our commitment to healthcare and our dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of Namibian children. In 2023, the Capricorn Foundation donated N$500 000 to the Namibian National Children’s Heart Trust, bringing our commitment to the Trust, to a total of N$1 million.”
Dire need
Dr Fenny Shidhika, founder of the Namibian National Children’s Heart Trust and Paediatric Cardiologist at the Windhoek Central Hospital, said that before this donation, there was only one echocardiogram machine for both adult and paediatric cardiology teams, which made quick diagnoses difficult.
“The new echocardiogram machine will ensure that all children born with heart conditions get the care they need, no matter their socio-economic status. We thank the corporate donors for always being there when we knock on their doors for support.”
Since its establishment in 2022, the Namibia National Children's Hearts Trust has made remarkable strides in providing patient-centred, quality, and timely care to children with heart disease. The trust's efforts include employing critical multidisciplinary human capital from outside the country, supporting the travel and accommodation of visiting specialists, and procuring specialised equipment and consumables.