This journey began in England where the first two beneficiaries of the Foundation; Master Oluwatofunmi Okude and little Miss Enitan Adesola, were operated on, at Crown Hospital London in 2000.
The exorbitant high fees charged by London hospitals pushed us to search for new partners in Israel where the Save-a-Child Heart (organisation) opened its door to our relationship with Wolfson Medical Centre in Tel Aviv.
In Israel, many open heart surgeries were performed, and when the number of patients with heart defects began to rise, we started to search for more avenues, with a cost effective price, and the same high quality treatment. This search took us to India where we have many hospitals working with us at present.
In trying to cope with the demanding increase in foreign exchange occasioned by these surgeries abroad, we decided a trial run, by bringing cardiac surgeons and experts to carry out surgeries in our hospitals in Nigeria. The International Children Heart Foundation (Menphis. USA) to come to the University Teaching Hospital Enugu (Nigerian) in 2003. 13 open heart surgeries were performed by a team, lead by Professor Novick and included leading Nigerian doctors in under 10 days.
Despite the loss of three children after the surgeries, we are encouraged by the zeal and enthusiasm with which our Nigerian doctors performed. This is a clear indication that given the right atmosphere, the necessary equipment and infrastructure the procedures currently obtained in India , Israel , and England, these operations can be carried out in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
The journey to this great signpost has not been easy. We have had to receive those that pass away abroad and see the anguish of their dear ones. Nevertheless, we have had more joy as many celebrate the new lease of life provided to these recipients, to which we give God the Glory. In all, there has been a 98% success rate. Although the Foundation was set up to help children and young adults. we have nonetheless provided medical and surgery assistance to some adults, subject to our set criteria, and availability of resources.
In financing these surgeries the Kanu Heart Foundation has to contend with the huge financial burden associated with open Heart Surgeries and some complex cases.
While fees charged by these countries vary according to degree of cases, meeting up the financial burden has been a very big challenge to the Kanu Heart Foundation.
Here we want to put on record the invaluable contribution of the Founder Nwankwo Kanu who started the Foundation.
We also owe gratitude to various State Governors, Government Agencies, Corporate organisation, Multinationals, Private and Government Schools, the public including market women and other individuals who have been part of this success story with their support. We would not also fail to mention the President of Nigeria and his government, who provided the enabling environment necessary for us to thrive.
The number of unattended cases is on the rise. There are about 300 patients in our waiting list.Some die before help can reach them.
We welcome International donor agencies to come to our aid to tackle this life threatening disease that claims the lives of many children and adults in Africa each day. The goodwill generated by those who donate for this life threatening open – heart surgeries cannot be over emphasized as we owe gratitude to the Almighty God, the teaming Nigerians, Africans and Europeans, corporate bodies, government and various Agencies that have identified with this humanitarian venture of saving lives.
By facilitating KHF in putting back smiles on the faces of indigent Nigerians suffering from Heart problems, your name will be written on the KHF Cardiac centre’s Hall of Fame upon completion.