Lifesaving Heart Surgery for Africa’s Most Vulnerable
Who We Are
About One New Heart Foundation
We identify, treat and support children, adults and pregnant mothers with heart disease while building sustainable heart care systems for future generations.
Why We Exist
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Africa. Thousands of children are born each year with congenital heart defects, while many adults and pregnant mothers lack access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Without care, many lives are lost unnecessarily.
Over 1,000 lives impacted since 2019.
We are 501(c)(3) non-profit and affiliate member of the Global Heart Hub, a worldwide network of organizations working to improve heart health and support people living with heart conditions.
Our Mission
To improve access to quality heart care by providing early diagnosis, treatment, education, advocacy and support services for children, adults and vulnerable communities across Africa.
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 innovative partnerships between healthcare, tourism and local communities, we create sustainable pathways to life-saving heart care, ensuring that children and vulnerable patients can access treatment regardless of their financial circumstances.
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
Access to healthcare remains one of the greatest challenges for many remote communities in Tanzania. In January 28 and 29, […]
Melissa and her husband travelled this January from the USA to Tanzania to celebrate their love. Like many couples on […]
Our second visit to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, marked an important continuation of our work to build sustainable cardiac […]
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) […]
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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
