Cardiothoracic fellow Dr Jean Bosco Gusa has urged Kenyans to take heart health seriously, emphasizing that regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are key measures to protect their hearts. Speaking during World Heart Day celebrations at the AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre, Dr Gusa warned that heart disease does not discriminate by age, with some patients born with defects while others develop heart conditions later in life. He stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease.
Dr Gusa noted that rheumatic heart disease remains a major heart condition treated in Kenya, causing permanent damage to the heart valves. He explained that rheumatic heart disease can develop following rheumatic fever, an inflammatory reaction that may occur after a Group A Streptococcus infection, commonly associated with a sore throat. The resulting inflammation can permanently damage the heart valves, and in severe cases, leave patients requiring valve replacement.
The experience of Jeremy Bahati, a Nairobi boy who spent five years battling recurring illnesses before his family discovered that he had a hole in his heart, underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. Jeremy's mother, Beatrice Achieng, said her son had suffered persistent fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, and chest congestion. The family eventually sought treatment at the AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre, where Jeremy underwent successful surgery to close the hole in his heart.
Jeremy's treatment was covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), easing the financial burden on the family. After years of uncertainty, the successful operation has given the family renewed hope. Achieng expressed her gratitude, saying that with this child, she has seen God. Jeremy's case highlights the impact of delayed diagnosis and treatment on patients and their families.
Another heart surgery survivor, Jared Kola, is now using his experience to encourage other patients and their families not to lose hope. Kola was named Community Health Champion of the Year 2026 during the World Heart Day celebrations. He credited the medical team, his community, church, and chaplaincy services for supporting him through his recovery.
Kola's experience with heart disease inspired him to pursue medicine, and he is currently studying trauma medicine at Sigowet KMTC in Kericho County. He hopes to use his training and personal experience to promote awareness and access to treatment. Kola called for increased funding and better reimbursement for heart procedures to ensure more patients can receive timely treatment.
The expansion of specialized cardiac services in Kenya is giving patients more options to access treatment locally. However, the need for increased awareness and education on heart health remains. Dr Gusa and other medical professionals are working to promote awareness and encourage Kenyans to take proactive steps to protect their heart health.
Key points
- Kenyans are being urged to take heart health seriously by adopting healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Rheumatic heart disease remains a major heart condition treated in Kenya, causing permanent damage to the heart valves if left untreated.
- Increased funding and better reimbursement for heart procedures are needed to ensure more patients can receive timely treatment.