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Covering the medical expenses of children with heart and vascular diseases in the country. Stanbic Bank Tanzania donated Sh 80 million during the fundraising event organized by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and the Heart Team Africa Foundation, held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. Photo: Courtesy
By
Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam – In a powerful
gesture of support, Stanbic Bank Tanzania has contributed Sh 80 million to the
Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and the Heart Team Africa Foundation,
targeting life-saving medical treatment for children with heart conditions. The
donation was unveiled at a recent fundraising event at Johari Rotana Hotel,
where former President Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who led the initiative,
emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts in supporting children with
life-threatening illnesses.
The
event, attended by public and private sector stakeholders, showcased Stanbic
Bank’s commitment to social welfare and healthcare across Tanzania. The funds
provided will help cover essential treatment costs for children diagnosed with
heart and vascular diseases, alleviating the financial burdens that many
Tanzanian families face.
Stanbic
Bank Tanzania CEO, Mr. Manzi Rwegasira, voiced the bank’s pride in
collaborating with JKCI and the Heart Team Africa Foundation on this critical
mission. “We are honored to support these vital efforts, helping children gain
access to life-saving treatments and easing the financial challenges for
families in need,” said Mr. Rwegasira. “Stanbic Bank is deeply invested in
giving back to the communities we serve, and this partnership underscores our
commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector in Tanzania.”
With
approximately 1,500 children in Tanzania diagnosed with congenital heart
conditions annually, the treatment costs can be overwhelming, making
initiatives like this crucial. JKCI and the Heart Team Africa Foundation play
an instrumental role by providing treatment subsidies. At an average cost of Sh
4 million per child, the funds raised will directly support families in need,
ensuring more children can access the care they desperately require.
This
recent contribution aligns with Stanbic Bank’s broader Corporate Social
Investment (CSI) strategy in Tanzania. Beyond healthcare, the bank has actively
supported educational development, recently investing in school improvement
projects across Dodoma, Geita, and Bunda. These initiatives include providing
desks, tree-planting campaigns, and financial literacy programs for students,
underscoring Stanbic’s commitment to uplifting Tanzanian communities and
promoting sustainable development.
In
his concluding remarks, Mr. Rwegasira called on all sectors of society to
engage in similar efforts to create a brighter future for Tanzanian children.
“Together, our compassion and generosity can make a significant difference,” he
said, urging widespread support for initiatives that bring hope to children and
their families.
This
donation reflects Stanbic Bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering positive
change and empowering Tanzanian communities through social impact initiatives
in healthcare, education, and sustainable development.