CHDFNigeria
In May 2025, the Congenital Heart Disease Foundation of Nigeria (CHDFNigeria) was represented on the global stage as its Founder and Executive Director, Christianah Oyeleye, attended the World Heart Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. This important gathering brought together global leaders, researchers, and advocates committed to improving heart health outcomes worldwide, especially for vulnerable populations, including children.
During the summit, CHDFNigeria engaged in meaningful conversations with key stakeholders, including Amam Mbakwem of Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Jagat Narula of the World Heart Federation.
These engagements brought encouraging news: there is growing assurance that congenital heart disease (CHD), rheumatic heart disease, and other neglected childhood-onset heart conditions will be included in the agenda of this year’s summit. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that children’s heart health receives the global attention it deserves.
These directly support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, particularly in reducing preventable deaths among newborns and children under five. For CHDFNigeria, this is more than a milestone, it is progress toward a future where fewer children lose their lives to preventable and treatable heart conditions.
While in Geneva, CHDFNigeria also participated in side events of the World Health Assembly, including a notable session titled “Building Healthy Futures.” This event, organized by Children’s HeartLink and Global ARCH alongside other partners, highlighted a sobering reality:
Many of the countries not on track to reduce under-five and newborn mortality are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Amid the discussions, practical and impactful solutions were proposed, especially relevant for Nigeria and the wider African region:
- Adoption of newborn screening
- Strengthening birth defect surveillance systems
- Integrating congenital anomaly screening, management, and care into national healthcare systems
The strategies are needed to improve early detection, ensuring timely treatment, and ultimately saving children’s lives.
CHDFNigeria’s participation at these global platforms reinforces its commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and action. Its contribution to international dialogue enables it to continue to push for policies and systems that prioritise children’s heart health, both in Nigeria and across Africa. Every step forward brings us closer to a future where no child dies from a preventable heart condition.
