Saving one heart at a time
NNCHT to host fundraising dinner
The Namibia National Children’s Heart Trust (NNCHT) hosts its inaugural fundraising gala dinner on 25 March, aimed at providing affordable and accessible care, while simultaneously creating awareness.The aim is to perform between 150 and 200 transcatheter and surgical procedures every year.
Founded by Dr Fenny Shidhika, who is a paediatric cardiologist, the trust works to assist the Ministry of Health and Social Services to cater to every Namibian born or living with congenital heart disease (CHD) as well as any other heart disease regardless of gender, and/or socio-economic status. The trust will act as a channel to gather donations in cash or human/material resources, locally and internationally to assist the ministry.
Since its establishment in 2022, the trust 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 are passionate about changing the narrative, and to direct and influence policy regarding overall healthcare provision in Namibia and internationally,” Dr Shidhika said.
Moreover, one of the NNCHT’s prime concerns is to create an environment that attracts, retains and enables the right individuals to perform at their best and be recognised; furthermore to ensure that projects invested in are innovative and sustainable and make an impact on children’s lives; and finally, to achieve financial sustainability and good governance of the trust and its projects.
Through the upcoming fundraiser, the trust aims to create more awareness about heart disease amongst Namibians, and to encourage especially corporates, to lend a helping hand with the financial expenses incurred by the average Namibian heart patient.
Projects lined up under the trust focus on services that will enrich lives and keep the Namibian child hopeful.
At the event, Founding Father Dr Sam Nujoma will deliver the keynote address to further advocate the cause.
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.
Lending support
One of the sponsors of this event, Poiyah Media, lends its support to such initiatives and encourages corporates to attend and assist long after the launch.
“As a media partner, it is critical to create awareness about such noble causes so that years from now, this trust can continue making an impact in our society. Corporates have a responsibility and funds available for initiatives that improve the lives of community members in which they operate, and this event has a credible board of trustees to ensure that funds are channelled to a great cause,” Ilke Platt, founder of Poiyah Media added.
The chairperson of the trust, Dr Solly Amadhila, looks forward to a positive response, as this is an initiative born from pure philanthropy through medical professionals that 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 Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital.
“Now, with aid from the University of Cape Town, the Namibia National Children’s Heart Trust will run an electronic database to measure the increase and severity of CHDs, through which information on CHDs and other heart diseases in Namibia can be managed. We rely on public and private support to ensure that we can save one life at a time,” he announced.
The gala will be directed by Dr Esperance Luvindao, who is hands-on in terms of reality on the ground, while other key role players in the medical industry will also be in attendance.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the gala through pledges, booking corporate tables as well as the commitment of resources needed to achieve the trust’s objectives.
To get in contact, donate or book a table, visit the NNCHT website at https://namibiachildrenshearttrust.com or email [email protected].