The 2024 edition of Mater Heart Run has been launched. The event, which seeks to raise funds for supporting children with cardiac complications across Kenya, is expected to raise 120 Million Shillings.

Speaking during a breakfast launch with sponsors at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Nairobi, the facility’s CEO, Sr. Dr. Mary Ngui, said the turnout from partners was beyond expectation. She also added that such efforts reaffirm the belief in the power of compassion and collective action.

"We are not going to say that the economy is hard and sit there and watch children die. We have to give them life so that they can form part of our future leaders," emphasised Dr Ngui.

She also added that the effect of the funds can only be highlighted through the voices of the beneficiaries, some of whom spoke during the launch.

"The testimonies from our beneficiaries today were incredibly moving. They remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges we face," Sr. Ngui added.

From its inception in 1995, a total of 5,448 children have benefitted from the programme, 2242 of whom had heart surgeries, while 3206 underwent cardiac catheterisation and intervention procedures. Prophylaxis and awareness campaigns for rheumatic fever have also been conducted. Training of staff in taking care of cardiac patients has also been achieved.

Also, 147,090 more children have been screened across different parts of the country to diagnose early signs of rheumatic and congenital heart diseases.