Hospitals for Humanity (HFH), a Nigerian-founded international medical charity, has announced a new round of free open-heart surgeries for children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD) a life-threatening condition present at birth that affects the structure and function of the heart.
The surgeries are scheduled to take place across Nigeria in May and June 2025, with over 300 children currently on the waiting list for these critical, life-saving procedures.
In a statement signed by HFH Founder Segun Ajayi, the organisation revealed that the upcoming surgical missions will be carried out in collaboration with federal and state hospitals, and led by a team of Nigerian medical specialists from around the world.
Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects globally, with prevalence ranging between 4 and 14 per 1,000 live births. In Nigeria, it affects about 3.5 out of every 1,000 live births. However, access to open-heart surgery remains limited due to the high cost and lack of specialised care in many regions.
“For many families, the cost of open-heart surgery is simply out of reach,” said Ajayi.
“These surgeries are not just about saving lives they demonstrate that excellence in medical care is possible in Nigeria when we harness local expertise and build strong partnerships.”
Since its inception, HFH has provided life-saving surgeries for hundreds of children from low-income families, helping them recover and return to normal, healthy lives.
Previous HFH surgical missions have been held in Jos, Abuja, and Borno, and in addition to direct treatment, the programme also focuses on capacity-building, including skills transfer to local medical personnel and the upgrading of hospital systems.
This dual approach aims to leave a lasting impact by enhancing Nigeria’s ability to manage and treat congenital heart conditions within its own healthcare system.
