Babies born with congenital heart conditions require specialised cardiac care. [Courtesy].
About three per cent of babies are born with congenital heart conditions, with families facing treatment costs ranging from Sh500,000 for less complex procedures to as much as Sh4 million for major surgeries.
The high cost of specialised cardiac care is leaving some families unable to access life-saving treatment, prompting renewed efforts to raise funds for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking during The Nairobi Hospital’s 2026 Children’s Charity Heart Fund Golf Tournament at Karen Country Club, the hospital’s Director of Nursing Services Margaret Muiyuro, said the cost of care remains a major barrier for families.
“There are those 3 per cent of these neonates who have congenital heart diseases and if we don't help them, they will not be productive and they cannot be free to be productive to the country,” Dr Muiyuro said.
She said the cost of surgery remains prohibitive for many families, particularly those requiring complex procedures.
The annual fundraiser brought together corporate partners, sponsors, golfers, philanthropists and members of the public to mobilize resources for children with congenital and acquired heart conditions who cannot afford specialized treatment.
The Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano regretted that many children arrive at the hospital only after their families have exhausted their financial options.