A child can be born with a heart that appears healthy externally but carries a condition affecting its development or function. Congenital heart defects are among the most common severe congenital disorders globally, causing approximately 240,000 newborn deaths within the first 28 days of life each year, and contributing to about 170,000 deaths in children aged one month to five years. The burden is particularly significant in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the Ministry of Health’s 2024 mortality report, congenital heart anomalies accounted for 1.9 per cent of recorded causes of death among children under five, an increase from 1.8 per cent in 2023. JKCI-Dar Group Paediatric Cardiologist, Dr Eva Wakuganda, stated that about one in every 100 children is born with a heart problem. She advised pregnant women to attend health checks, especially those using long-term medicines for conditions like high blood pressure or mental health, to consult doctors early for appropriate treatment. Dr Wakuganda added that excessive substance use such as cannabis, maternal health issues, some long-term medicines, diabetes during pregnancy, and severe fever may be associated with complications affecting the unborn child.
Ms Yasmin Chali, founder of Mikoh Outreach Foundation, noted that children from low-income families often face difficulties accessing treatment due to costs. She said the foundation supports and encourages these children, affirming that having a heart condition does not mean they cannot recover. The foundation aims to support children whose parents cannot afford heart surgery, provides follow-up on their health, nutrition, and home environment post-surgery, and educates pregnant women on the importance of prenatal tests for early identification of heart problems. For individuals aged five years and above, the Ministry of Health’s 2024 mortality data indicated that hypertensive heart diseases accounted for 7.0 per cent of recorded causes of death.
Source: Daily News (Tanzania)
