NCD Impact Stories

In August 2024, the parents of Regina Albert Mndeme reached out to GH Foundation for urgent assistance to save their six-month-old daughter, diagnosed with a rare and severe congenital heart defect—Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect (CAVC). This life-threatening condition created a large hole in the center of her heart, causing oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, leading to breathing difficulties, fatigue, and severe health risks. Despite being scheduled for open-heart surgery at JKCI in July 2024, financial constraints delayed the procedure. Even after receiving a social welfare subsidy, reducing costs from TZS 9 million to 7 million, her parents, facing extreme hardship, could not afford the remaining amount. With Regina’s condition rapidly deteriorating, immediate action was critical—statistics show 36% of diagnosed CAVC cases do not survive without timely surgery. Recognizing the urgency, GH Foundation fully covered her surgical and medical expenses. In September 2024, Regina underwent a successful open-heart surgery. Despite the complexity of the procedure, she made a remarkable recovery, spending two days in ICU before being discharged in stable condition. Today, Regina is thriving, attending regular heart check-ups at JKCI. Her story is a testament to GH Foundation’s commitment to restoring hope, saving lives, and promoting healthcare for children battling life-threatening conditions.