The Namibia Heart Foundation Fundraiser Event

Talk about the perfect late Valentine’s Day gift
Desiree Gases
The Capricorn Group supports heart health awareness through the Namibia Heart Foundation

The Heart of Gold fundraiser breakfast took place on Friday, 25 February. The event was sponsored by the Capricorn Group. The Namibia Heart Foundation (NHF) aims to create awareness on heart diseases and ensure support to those with heart conditions. Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in Namibia, contributing up to 30% of the total deaths in the country.

“The burden of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is extremely high in the African continent, including South Africa and Namibia. It is therefore important for the NHF to partner with the professional societies and the national department of health to improve the health outcomes of all Namibians,” Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation, and President of the African Heart Network, said.

This year's fundraiser event was focused on bringing together health professionals, health practitioners and service providers in the industry and also potential donors to raise funds for the NHF, but more importantly, to raise awareness of heart disease and strokes. The fundraiser had important and valuable discussions from a panel of medical professionals on stage who enlightened the guests with valuable information on heart disease. The panelists included Dr Henning Du Toit (cardiothoracic surgeon at Roman Catholic Hospital), Dr Henry Boshoff (managing director of BRG Biokinetics), Annalien Turner (registered dietitian at SmartHealth Namibia) and Naidoo.

NHF was established in March 2019 to educate Namibians on diverse heart-related illnesses and complement the good work of those who have dedicated their hard work towards creating awareness of heart diseases and their associated risks in efforts to prevent heart-related illnesses. With volunteers around the country, the NHF further aims to create an inclusive, safe and empowered community for individuals suffering from cardiac diseases and strokes by helping, guiding and supporting them and their families. Although the medical and allied professions, government and private hospitals, medical aid and insurance sector and others do their utmost to educate Namibians on preventative and early diagnostic measures, much more needs to be done. The NHF is working to take hands with the Namibian community and all role players to create a healthier and happier nation to ensure that our country advances in this regard.