The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa (TCCFA), based at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, marked World Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Week on February 14, with a heartfelt reflection on the lives saved and the urgent need to help the many children still awaiting life-saving surgery.
The event was not just a celebration but a reminder of the thousands of children who are born with CHD each year—many of whom will not survive without timely surgical intervention.
The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa remains at the forefront of pediatric cardiac care in Africa, dedicated to ensuring that children receive the medical attention they desperately need, regardless of their financial situation.
“Every child deserves a chance at life, yet too many are left waiting for critical surgery,” said Niresh Bechan, CEO of Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre.
“At TCCFA, we have seen firsthand the power of intervention. Each surgery we perform is a lifeline, not just for the child but for the entire family. Our mission is clear: to clear the backlog and ensure that no child is denied life-saving care due to a lack of resources.”
The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa recently reached a significant milestone by completing its 100th life-saving surgery since its inception in 2019.
This achievement highlights the foundation’s unwavering commitment to addressing the backlog of children in need of congenital heart surgery in South Africa and across the continent.
However, the challenge remains daunting.
In KwaZulu-Natal alone, more than 500 children are on the waiting list for congenital heart surgery. Limited resources, including a shortage of specialised medical professionals, ICU beds, and funding, continue to hinder access to life-saving care. The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, housed in the only private facility in South Africa with a 14-member team spanning 10 pediatric sub-disciplines, is determined to change that.
“The need is immense,” Bechan emphasised.
“We cannot do this alone. The continued support of donors, businesses, and individuals is what enables us to keep saving lives. Each donation directly funds the surgeries these children so desperately need. The reality is that without this financial backing, many children will not make it to their next birthday.”
Dr Darshan Reddy, a renowned pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the severity of CHD and the urgent need for early detection and intervention.
“Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect worldwide, affecting approximately one in every 100 children,” said Reddy.
“While some cases are mild and require minimal intervention, others are life-threatening and need urgent surgical correction. The sooner we can diagnose and treat these children, the better their long-term outcomes.”
Reddy further highlighted that CHD remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality in South Africa, yet it often does not receive the attention it deserves.
“Many families are unaware of the symptoms of CHD, which can include difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, bluish skin, and rapid breathing. Raising awareness is critical so that children can receive medical attention before it’s too late.”
The Foundation's work has already changed the lives of many young patients, including 15-month-old Nkanyezi Khanye, whose recent surgeries mark yet another step towards reducing the burden of pediatric cardiac conditions in Africa.
But for every child saved, another waits for their turn.
The impact of TCCFA’s work is perhaps best expressed by the parents of children who have undergone life-saving surgery.
Khanye’s grandmother Sonto Khanye, who lives in Vryheid near Newcastle, expressed her gratitude to the doctors who went over and beyond their call of duty to ensure baby Nkanyezi will go on to live a healthy life.
“There are no words to say how I feel… Our baby is our light and today Nkanyezi is healthy and happy thanks to the doctors and staff of the Foundation, may God bless them,” she said.
Philile Mathonsi, the mother of 10-month-old Zanokuhle Bandile who was also treated for CHD through TCCFA expressed her deep gratitude.
“Being under the care of TCCFA and Lenmed has been the best present for my baby, who was born with a heart defect,” she said.
Bechan urged businesses and philanthropists to step forward and partner with TCCFA in expanding access to life-saving surgery. “The future of these children depends on what we do today. We invite organisations and individuals to be part of this mission—to be part of giving these children a future.”
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