FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has praised NMB Bank for its support of cardiac treatment for underprivileged children at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), stating that the bank’s contributions will significantly benefit families facing heart complications.

Kikwete made these remarks during the ‘Night of Giving’ fundraising dinner organized by JKCI, where the bank presented a symbolic cheque of 1bn/-following a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the four-year agreement, NMB Bank will provide 250m/-  annually to assist child patients undergoing treatment at JKCI.

“I commend NMB Bank for supporting this noble cause that will bring hope to over 1,500 children diagnosed with heart complications. The current government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, covers 70 percent of all treatment costs, and contributions from NMB and other partners will ensure that underprivileged children receive the care they need,” he stated.

Kikwete emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that 500 of the diagnosed children require immediate treatment. “If funding for their care is not raised, their lives are at risk,” he warned.

Ruth Zaipuna, the bank’s CEO, reiterated the bank's commitment to support the health sector, emphasizing the high costs of cardiac treatment that many families cannot afford. “We decided to partner with JKCI to bridge this financial gap and bring relief to parents whose children are battling heart issues,” she said.

Zaipuna also urged other corporate entities to join this noble cause, highlighting that collective efforts will help JKCI achieve its goals.

Dr. Peter Kisenge, Executive Director of JKCI, noted that more than 97 percent of heart complications are now treated locally, which was not the case in the past. “Out of every 100 children born, 1 or 2 are diagnosed with heart conditions. We perform over 743 open-heart surgeries annually, which is unmatched in East and Central Africa,” he said.

Since its inception in 2015, JKCI has conducted over 4,839 heart surgeries and has treated more than 608,000 patients. Dr. Kisenge also mentioned the institute’s “Samia Outreach Program,” which has reached 17,000 people across 17 regions to provide cardiac services at the grassroots level.

Abdulmarik Mollel, a trustee on the JKCI board, announced that over 2.7bn/- was raised during the ‘Night of Giving’ gala event.