Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) is supporting national efforts to strengthen early referral systems and access to pediatric cardiac care by helping close a critical treatment funding gap faced by vulnerable families.
While the Government of Tanzania subsidises approximately 70% of the cost of pediatric cardiac procedures, many families are unable to meet the remaining 30% – around TZS 4 million per child, often delaying or preventing life-saving treatment.
Since November 2024, GGML has stepped in to bridge this gap in partnership with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and healthcare delivery partners. In 2025 alone, GGML committed TZS 56 million, enabling 14 children from vulnerable backgrounds to receive life-saving surgery, with a 95% per-cent survival rate. Through this financing mechanism, up to 200 pediatric cardiac procedures have now been supported, although demand continues to rise, with hundreds of children added to the waiting list.
Medical experts emphasise that approximately 95% of pediatric cardiac conditions are fully treatable when detected early, ideally within the first year of life.
On 13th January 2026, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Africa, Simon Shayo, accompanied by Gilbert Mworia, Senior Manager for Sustainability, GGML, and Stephen Mhando, Public Relations and Communication Manager, GGML, visited the institute to learn more about the initiatives supported and discuss prospects for a growing partnership. The delegation was received by Dr. Naizihijwa Majani, CEO Heart Team Africa and Director of Clinical Support Services, JKCI, Dr. Tulizo Shemu, Hospital Director, JKCI Dar Group, and Abdulmalik Mollel – Managing Director of Global Medicare.
JKCI serves as Tanzania’s national referral centre for cardiac care, receiving around 50 pediatric cardiac referrals each month from across the country. Its pediatric unit, which includes ICU and HDU facilities with a total capacity of 26 beds, continues to operate under significant pressure. Currently, an estimated 1,500 children remain on the national waiting list for government-assisted pediatric cardiac procedures.
GGML has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting these efforts, through sustained financial support and investment in research and development to help build longterm, sustainable solutions for pediatric cardiac care. Healthcare partners have acknowledged GGML’s responsiveness and collaborative approach. Abdulmalik Mollel, Managing Director of Global Medicare, noted that GGML offered support within a short timeframe despite complex approval processes.
