Save 10 little hearts in Nigeria

Project Report: 10 Little Hearts – Giving Children a Second Chance at Life

Heart disease remains a critical challenge for children in Nigeria, and through the 10 Little Hearts project, the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation continues to provide life-saving care to children in underserved communities. With the generous support of donors over the past two years, we have made remarkable progress-successfully carrying out over 100 open-heart surgeries and more than 60 pediatric interventional cardiology procedures at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital. Each procedure represents a child given a second chance at life and a family restored with hope.

These contributions have not only transformed individual lives but have also strengthened our capacity to reach even more children in need. Thanks to this support, we have successfully launched our April/May medical mission, which is already underway and expanding access to critical cardiac care for vulnerable children. Many of our beneficiaries are now able to live normal, active lives-returning to school, playing, and thriving in ways that were once uncertain.

One mother, Mrs. Njideka, shared her gratitude, explaining that her son’s successful surgery has completely changed their lives. After years of worry and limited opportunities, she is now able to return to building her career, knowing her child is healthy and strong. Stories like hers reflect the true impact of your support.

We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership in making this life-saving work possible. Together, we are not only treating heart disease-we are giving children the chance to grow, dream, and live full, healthy lives.

Links:

• Official website

GlobalGiving Report

Project Title: 10 Little Hearts Campaign
Location: Nigeria
Project Status: Ongoing

1. Project Overview

The 10 Little Hearts Campaign is a life-saving initiative focused on raising funds to provide open-heart surgery for ten children in Nigeria living with congenital heart defects. For many families, the high cost of pediatric cardiac care places life-saving treatment far beyond reach.

Through the support of GlobalGiving donors, this campaign mobilizes resources to fund pediatric cardiac missions that deliver specialized care, advanced surgical interventions, and renewed hope for children and their families.

2. Project Objectives

The objectives of the 10 Little Hearts Campaign are to:

• Raise funds to support open-heart surgery for ten children with congenital heart disease

• Improve access to specialized pediatric cardiac care in Nigeria

• Reduce preventable child mortality caused by untreated heart conditions

• Support sustainable pediatric cardiac missions through partnerships

3. Recent Mission and Use of Funds

With generous donor support, the campaign recently supported its 8th pediatric cardiac mission. Donations raised through GlobalGiving were directly applied to surgical procedures, medical supplies, specialist services, and peri-operative care for children requiring urgent intervention.

4. Mission Outcomes and Impact

The 8th mission achieved exceptional outcomes, with a total of 30 pediatric cardiac procedures successfully completed, including:

• 11 pediatric interventional cardiology cases

• 19 pediatric open-heart surgeries

These interventions addressed complex congenital heart defects and provided children with a critical opportunity for longer, healthier lives.

5. Beneficiaries

• Children with life-threatening congenital heart conditions

• Families unable to afford the high cost of open-heart surgery

• Local healthcare professionals who benefited from collaborative care and skills transfer

Each successful surgery represents a child given a second chance and a family restored with hope.

6. Impact to Date

• Children who previously faced life-threatening heart conditions are now on a path to recovery

• Families experienced relief from overwhelming medical and financial burdens

• Donor contributions were directly translated into measurable, life-saving outcomes

The success of this mission demonstrates the tangible impact of the 10 Little Hearts Campaign and the power of collective giving.

7. Lessons Learned

• The need for pediatric cardiac care in Nigeria remains urgent and widespread

• Consistent and timely funding is essential for successful surgical missions

• Continued donor engagement is critical to reaching more children in need

8. Next Steps

As the campaign continues, the project will:

• Work toward completing its goal of providing open-heart surgery for more children

• Strengthen fundraising efforts to support future missions

• Expand partnerships to reach more children awaiting life-saving care

9. Appreciation

We extend our deepest gratitude to GlobalGiving donors, medical teams, partners, and volunteers whose generosity made this mission possible. Your support has helped transform donations into surgeries—and surgeries into new beginnings.

Together, through the 10 Little Hearts Campaign, we are helping little hearts beat stronger.

Links:

• Official Website