Mallex Shipanga
Namibian Traders, a cycling and running apparel store, will host a charity walk, run, and cycle event on 1 February in Windhoek to raise awareness for congenital heart disease and support children affected by the condition.
Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting life-saving surgeries performed locally at the Windhoek State Hospital’s cardiac unit.
Founder Hetty Nelumbu explained that the monthly charity races, started in February last year, benefit the Namibian National Children’s Heart Trust.
“This organisation has been instrumental in transforming the lives of children born with congenital heart conditions by providing life-saving surgeries. In the past, many patients and families were forced to travel to neighbouring countries for these critical procedures. However, thanks to the Trust’s efforts, a significant number of surgeries are now successfully performed locally,” she said.
In the process, it has reduced the need for patients to travel abroad.
The unit, led by Dr. Fenny Shidhika and her team, is supported by global volunteer specialists but still requires additional resources and equipment.
“Despite the remarkable progress made, the congenital cardiac ward still faces challenges due to limited resources. Although it is subsidised by the state, additional equipment and technology are urgently needed to enhance its capacity and functionality,” said Nelumbu.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works.
