Heart Warrior’s Doctors and partner organizations during the World Heart Day Celebrations./PHOTO; courtesy
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 20.5 million lives each year (WHO, 2023).
In Kenya, 1 in every 10 deaths is due to cardiovascular disease, while 1 in 4 hospital admissions is linked to heart-related conditions (Ministry of Health, 2024).
This year, Kenyans came together to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and call for stronger health systems to address the growing burden of heart disease.
The Heart Warrior’s Journey
When Rosemary Ireri, an educator from Mbeere North in Embu County, began experiencing joint pains in Form Three, she never imagined it was the start of a lifelong battle with heart disease.
“I started experiencing joint pains back in Form Three,” she recalls. “Doctors gave me pain relievers, and at one point, someone even suggested it was asthma. I never imagined it was my heart.”
Her symptoms worsened on campus, where the cold climate made life harder.
“I was always in sweaters and jackets, always at the university clinic. The doctor eventually recommended a referral, but I ignored it, convinced it wasn’t serious,” she says.
The turning point came after childbirth. Following her second pregnancy, Rosemary collapsed.
“On my delivery day, I blacked out. That’s when doctors finally realized something was wrong with my heart.”
Tests revealed that she had two leaking valves, the aortic and mitral.
“When they told me I had two leaking valves, I was shocked. At first, the leaks were not severe, so I was only put under observation and medication,” she says.
But Rosemary admits she didn’t take her condition seriously.
“I made the mistake of ignoring follow-ups, thinking I was fine. That cost me dearly because my condition worsened when I stopped medication.”
In 2023, after another near-fatal attack, her cardiologist confirmed she needed urgent open-heart surgery.
“When my cardiologist told me I needed open-heart surgery, I was scared, but I also knew it was the only way to live,” Rosemary remembers.
The procedure came at a staggering cost of KSh 2.5 million.
“The surgery cost KSh 2.5 million, and SHA only paid KSh. 150,000. Without family and friends coming together to raise the rest, I don’t know if I’d be alive today,” she says.
On May 17, 2023, Rosemary underwent a six-hour open-heart surgery in Kenya. Recovery was grueling, but she came out stronger.
“The scar on my chest is my warrior’s mark. People don’t see the hidden struggle, but for me, it’s a reminder that I survived.”
To prioritize her health, Rosemary had to resign from her job. “They couldn’t understand why I needed more time to recover, and I chose my health first,” she explains.
Today, two years later, she lives with a mechanical
valve, which requires strict daily medication and regular tests.
“Life after surgery means lifelong medication. I take one blood thinner tablet daily, but some patients need more, and many can’t afford it. It’s a daily battle, but one I’ve accepted,” she says.
But Rosemary worries about others who face even tougher barriers.
“I worry about patients in villages who cannot afford tests or travel long distances to specialized hospitals. Many may never get the chance I had,” she says with concern.
- Her message to Kenya’s health system is clear:
- Equip county hospitals with echo and ECG machines.
- Subsidize or make essential cardiac tests and medicines free.
- Ensure that SHA truly covers the needs of heart patients.
- Support patients who require overseas treatment so their lives are not lost unnecessarily.
Her story is one of resilience, but also a call to action.
“Heart disease is not a death sentence. With timely diagnosis and treatment, patients like me can live full lives. I am living proof alive, healthy, and strong.”
World Heart Day 2025 Celebrations
The World Heart Day 2025 celebrations took place on 29th September at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Science Campus, Ngong Road.
Organized by the Kenya Cardiac Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the event brought together heart warriors, doctors, and partner organizations for a day of awareness and fitness.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” the day featured free health checks, a heart health walk, a football tournament, fitness challenges, and children’s activities all aimed at promoting better heart health and reminding the public to stay alert to cardiovascular care.
The Advocate’s Voice
For Evans Majau, a heart patient advocate, caregiver, and Programs Coordinator of the Kenya Mended Hearts Association, the day was deeply personal.
He is both a patient and a caregiver to his son, who underwent surgery in India, a journey that inspired his advocacy.
“As a patient advocate, caregiver, board member, and health professional, I wear many hats,” he shared.
“First and foremost, I take care of children born and living with congenital and rheumatic heart disease
of Kenya Mended Hearts. Here, we champion their rights, advocate for them, and create awareness about cardiovascular diseases.”
Kenya Mended Hearts, a patient-led association founded in 2016, now has around 400 members.
The association provides psychosocial support, medical missions for lifesaving surgeries, links to affordable lifelong medication, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusive health policies.
Around 300 members, nearly 90% have already received the interventions they required, while others continue to wait for theirs.
Evans also noted that partnerships have been central to their success.
The association collaborates with hospitals in Kenya, where doctors persuade facilities to waive professional fees, and with international partners in India, Israel, Spain, Tanzania, South Africa, and Egypt to secure free surgeries for children.
He reminded Kenyans that World Heart Day is about celebrating survivors and spreading hope:
“Whatever choices you make today, remember that tomorrow your heart will ask you questions.”
The Health Ministry’s Stand
Speaking at the event, Dr. Elizabeth Onyango from the Ministry of Health’s Division of Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases emphasized the growing burden of CVDs in Kenya.
“Currently, 1 in 10 deaths and 1 in 4 hospital admissions in Kenya are due to heart conditions, with hypertension being the leading cause. It is a silent killer affecting 1 in 4 adults, yet more than half do not know they have it. Among men, 72% are unaware. The only way to know is through regular screening,” she said.
She called on Kenyans to tackle modifiable risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, alcohol use, inactivity, and smoking, through lifestyle changes.
“As we mark this day, let us remember: prevention is better than cure. Eat healthy, stay active, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and most importantly, get screened.”
A Call from the Cardiac Society
Lilian Muga, CEO of the Kenya Cardiac Society, reminded the public that cardiovascular health affects all ages.
“For children and people below the age of 25, rheumatic heart disease is also a concern
ern. Do not ignore a sore throat. Please go to the hospital, get checked, and seek treatment, as it could result in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease,” she warned.
She also emphasized the need for lifestyle adjustments and regular check-ups:
“My message to people out there: go for regular check-ups so that these diseases can be detected early and further complications prevented. Live a healthy lifestyle and exercise daily. WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of exercise every week.”
The Kenya Cardiac Society partners with the Ministry of Health, the Kenyan Heart (which advocates for the prevention of rheumatic heart disease), the Kenya Mended Hearts Association (a patient-led group of survivors), Doctors for Healthy Living (which promotes healthy lifestyles and regular check-ups), the Kenya Medical Association, and pharmaceutical partners such as Hetero, among others, to advance cardiovascular health across the country.
