Beating the odds
Lifesaving Heart Surgery for Africa’s Most Vulnerable
Who We Are
About One New Heart Foundation
One New Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering sustainable heart care to children, adults and pregnant mothers in underserved communities across Africa.
We take a holistic approach to heart health by focusing on education, early detection, life-saving surgeries, post-operative care and family support.
Beyond patient care, we invest in long-term impact by building the capacity of local healthcare workers, conducting research and advocating for the rights of heart patients.
Our Mission
One New Heart Foundation is committed to providing sustainable heart care for children, adults and pregnant mothers in underserved communities across Africa. Our work focuses on heart health education, early detection, surgery, post-operative care, family support, capacity building for healthcare workers, research and patient advocacy.
Our Vision
A future where every person in Africa has access to timely, affordable and high-quality heart care regardless of age, gender, or income.
Blandina Kokwenda
Board Advisor
Eric Mwarabu
President
Dr. Madhusudan Ganigara
Medical Director
Hilda Kilungo
Executive Secretary
Pietro Chille
Director of Operations
Godfrey Maro
Director of Development
Dr. Atul Prabhu
Research Advisor
Through strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives, we aim to ensure that no life is lost simply because of where someone is born or what they can afford.
Why it Matters
Children
- 50 million babies born annually in Africa
- 500,000 need heart care
- 1 in 3 dies within the first month
- 1 in 2 dies within a few years without treatment
Adults
- 35-45% of adults have hypertension
- 2nd leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 38.3% of NCD deaths caused by CVD
Pregnant Mothers
- #1 non-obstetric cause of maternal death
- 34% maternal mortality in some settings
- Major risk due to late diagnosis & lack of care
“We believe geography and income should never determine a child’s heartbeat.”
Stories that Matter
Meet the Children
We are excited to share that we have officially joined the Global Heart Hub, the first global alliance of heart […]
As we observe Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week (February 7-14), we celebrate the healing of Roida (7 years, 10 […]
The year 2024 was a period of growth, collaboration, and impact for The One New Heart Tanzania. Together with our […]
We had the pleasure of hosting two representatives from the Italian non-profit organization, Mission Bambini. Both are children’s heart surgeons, […]
Zanzibar, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, attracts millions of tourists yearly. The tourism sector in Zanzibar holds […]
We are thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Ms. Neema Machege, a devoted mother and tireless advocate for children’s […]
Subscribe Newsletter to get latest news & updates
Our Impact
Patients Served
+1,000
Countries Reached
Tanzania , Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Zimbabwe
Cost per child
$42 a day for 1 year to give a child a lifetime.
How You Can Help
Three Pillars:
- Give: One-time/monthly donations
- Volunteer: Host a patient, medical missions, events
- Travel: Book with One Heart Travel Ltd – 50% of profits fund surgeries. Safaris, medical tourism, cultural tours, ethical, sustainable and heart driven.
Get Involved
Stay Updated
Transparency & Partners
