What We Do
Our Programmes
Kenya Mended Hearts Patients Association (KMHPA) works to improve the lives of children and families affected by congenital and rheumatic heart disease. Through patient support, community outreach, advocacy and partnerships, we work to improve access to cardiac care and ensure that heart warriors and their families receive the support they need at every stage of their journey.
Through these collaborations, we support treatment access, community awareness, family support and advocacy initiatives. We remain committed to building lasting, accountable partnerships that strengthen our programmes and help more children receive the care they need. Together, we can move closer to our belief that no child should die due to a heart defect.
1. Cardiac Care and Treatment Access
We support children and families in navigating the healthcare system and accessing appropriate cardiac services. Through referrals, partnerships with healthcare providers and patient support, we help families connect with specialist consultations, diagnostic services, surgery and follow-up care. Our goal is to reduce barriers to treatment and give every child a better chance at a healthy life.
2. Patient and Caregiver Support
Living with heart disease affects the whole family. We bring together heart warriors, parents and caregivers to share experiences, learn from one another and find encouragement throughout their healthcare journey. Through peer support, information sharing and family engagement, we help families cope with the emotional, social and practical challenges associated with heart disease.
3. Screening and Early Detection
Early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference for a child with a heart condition. We support screening and awareness initiatives in collaboration with healthcare professionals and other partners to help identify children who may need further cardiac assessment. Through community engagement, referrals and health education, we encourage families to seek medical attention early and improve opportunities for timely treatment.
4. Heart Health Education and Awareness
We raise awareness of congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease and the importance of cardiovascular health. Through community education, public campaigns, school engagement and World Heart Day activities, we help families and communities recognize warning signs, understand available treatment options and appreciate the importance of early diagnosis and continued care.
5. Heart Warriors' Activities and Events
We create opportunities for heart warriors, siblings, parents and caregivers to come together, connect and celebrate life beyond hospital visits and treatment. Through family fun days, social gatherings, peer interaction and engagement with healthcare professionals, we promote inclusion, confidence, friendship and a strong sense of belonging among children and families affected by heart disease.
6. Advocacy and Health Policy
We advocate for equitable access to affordable, quality cardiac healthcare for every child and family affected by heart disease. By engaging government institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers and civil society organizations, we highlight challenges related to diagnosis, surgery, medicines, follow-up care and healthcare financing. We also promote policies and systems that respond to patients' needs and protect families from the financial burden of accessing treatment.
7. School and Community Outreach
We work with schools and communities to improve understanding of childhood heart disease and create supportive environments for affected children. Through school sensitization, community education and engagement with teachers, parents and local stakeholders, we encourage early recognition of possible heart conditions, timely referral for medical assessment and the inclusion of children living with heart disease in school and community life.
8. Essential Medicines and Continuity of Care
Access to prescribed medicines and regular follow-up is essential for people living with heart conditions. We work with partners and stakeholders to address challenges that prevent patients from obtaining the medicines and ongoing care they need. Through patient support, resource mobilization and education on medication adherence and regular monitoring, we promote continuity of care and better long-term health outcomes.
9. Patient Leadership and Representation
We believe that patients and caregivers should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their health and wellbeing. KMHPA creates opportunities for heart warriors, parents and caregivers to share their experiences and contribute to discussions on cardiac healthcare. Through patient networks, advocacy platforms and stakeholder engagements, we work to ensure that lived experiences inform healthcare policies, service delivery and decisions that affect patients and their families.
10. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Partnerships are central to our efforts to improve access to cardiac care and support families affected by heart disease. We work with healthcare institutions, government agencies, development partners, corporate organizations, donors and well-wishers to mobilize financial resources, essential supplies, technical expertise and treatment opportunities.