I will continue saving children’s lives – First Lady

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has said she will continue offering her unequivocal support to initiatives aimed at saving children’s lives.

Speaking Wednesday afternoon when she held discussions with the Director of Save a Childs Heart, Rina Attias at her office in State House, Nairobi, First Lady said the organization which has been providing lifesaving cardiac surgery, is doing an excellent job and requires support from all well-wishers.

“I will be there for you anywhere you need me,” the First Lady said.

At the request of the organization’s director, the First Lady accepted to be the patron of the Kenyan chapter of the organization.

Save a child’s heart is an Israel-based, non-governmental, international humanitarian project and world leader in providing lifesaving cardiac surgery for children from developing world.

Since its establishment, more than 4,000 children, from 50 countries have benefited from lifesaving procedures.

In the last three years SACH Kenya has sent 24 Kenyan children to Israel.

In the coming year 20 more children will depart for Israel-on the most important journey of their life.

“We currently have 100 children on our waiting list, and we depend on the goodwill and generosity of people like you to ensure that these children also get to take this important journey. Without our help, these children stand little or no chance of making it to adulthood,” she told the First Lady

Every child requires about US $ 15,000 which is equivalent to Kshs 1,500,000 for the medical treatment, hospitalization and recuperation at the Save a Child’s Heart Children’s Home in Holon, Israel.

The Israel Ambassador to Kenya Yahel Vilan who was also present said the two governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on health which will be actualized soon.

Nyandarua Governor Waithaka Mwangi who was also present said his county government in partnership with the Save a Child’s Heart plan to put up a modern paediatric hospital in the county to cater for children health challenges.

He said the county government has already put up a proposal in which after the construction, doctors from Israel will come in the country to impart skills and knowledge to local medical staff.