Hope at KBTH: Children’s Heart Foundation Funds Lifesaving Surgeries for Two Children
A renewed chance at life has been secured for two Ghanaian children living with congenital heart disorders, following the funding of critical open-heart surgeries by The Children’s Heart Foundation Ghana.
The intervention, announced in Accra on April 23, 2026, was marked by a presentation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where the surgeries are being carried out at its renowned Cardiothoracic Centre.
For the beneficiaries and their families, the support represents more than medical care—it is the difference between uncertainty and hope. One of the children has already undergone a successful procedure and is recovering steadily, while the second is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The milestone reflects a collaborative effort driven by compassion and international support. The Australian High Commission, led by Berenice Owen-Jones, played a pivotal role in mobilising funds through a Melbourne Cup charity fundraiser. Her involvement is deeply personal, having navigated a similar experience as a mother of a child who once required heart surgery.
Additional resources were raised locally through a Health Walk organised by the Foundation, with strong participation from students and staff of leading schools including Tema International School, SOS Hermann Gmeiner College and Al-Rayan International School. Their collective effort not only boosted funding but also heightened awareness of congenital heart conditions among young people.
For over 15 years, the Foundation has remained at the forefront of paediatric cardiac care support in Ghana, facilitating lifesaving surgeries for more than 250 children. Yet, the need remains significant, with over 50 children still awaiting similar interventions.
Health experts continue to stress that congenital heart diseases, when detected early and treated promptly, can be managed effectively. However, access to specialised surgery remains a major barrier for many families due to high costs.
The latest intervention underscores the critical role of partnerships—between individuals, institutions and international allies—in bridging that gap.
As the Foundation renews its call for support, the message is clear: sustained collective action can transform lives. For the children who now have a second chance, that impact is already being felt.
