Lifesaving Heart Surgery for Africa’s Most Vulnerable
Who We Are
About One New Heart Foundation
One New Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3), 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.
We are affiliate member of the Global Heart Hub.
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 Communication
Dr. Atul Prabhu
Research Advisor
Eva Elias
Patient Support Manager
Janwara Kissela
Procurement and Logistics Manager
Jackline Jonathan
Medical Supplies Manager
Our Impact
1000+ Patients Served
Countries Reached
Tanzania , Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Zimbabwe
Cost per child
$22 a day for 1 year to give a child a lifetime.
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
Heart News
During the Global Heart Hub Unite Summit 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, we were represented by Dr. Lioba Joseph, an internal […]
Did You Know? Up to 80% of early deaths from heart disease can be prevented through early checkups, proper care, […]
During URITHIFEST 2025 in Atlanta, we were happy to talk with members of Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America (DICOTA) […]
We were honored to reconnect with our longtime supporter, Dr. Anita Rich, at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. […]
We have completed our 2-day heart outreach screening and awareness camp at Igogwe Hospital in Mbeya, where we screened over […]
Yesterday, we joined the Black Heart Association mobile heart screening in Dallas, Texas, an inspiring initiative focused on identifying heart […]
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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.
Contact Us