Straight From The Heart

The Kanu Heart Foundation is more than a charity; it's a testament to one man's journey from confronting mortality to creating hope for countless children across Africa. What began as a personal recovery mission has expanded into a dynamic, evolving initiative - providing surgeries, raising awareness, building infrastructure, and forging partnerships that continue to shape a more hopeful future.

Join Our Mission

The Voice of Children

The voice of children is powerful, pure, and deserving of attention. It carries truth, curiosity, and a unique perspective often overlooked in adult conversations. When we listen to children, and we mean, truly listen - we gain insight into their hopes, fears, and dreams.

Their voices remind us of the importance of protection, education, inclusion, and love. Empowering children to speak, and ensuring they are heard, is not just a right - it's a responsibility we all share.

But some do not have the HEART to SPEAK nor the HEART to chase after their DREAMS.

"I was given a second chance. Every child deserves the same. That's why the Foundation exists."

KANU NWANKWO, Founder

A Personal Journey to Purpose

The Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) is one of Nigeria's most impactful non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to providing life-saving heart care to underprivileged children and young adults across Africa. Founded by legendary Nigerian footballer Nwankwo Kanu (MON) in the year 2000, the foundation was born out of a deeply personal experience — one that transformed his life and inspired a movement of hope, healing, and compassion.

How It All Began in a Heartbeat

In the late 1990s, Nwankwo Kanu had just reached the height of his international football career, having played for clubs such as Ajax, Inter Milan, and the Nigerian national team. However, in the prime of his youth and success, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening congenital heart defect.

Thanks to a successful open-heart surgery in the United States, Kanu not only survived but returned to professional football — going on to achieve even greater success. This second chance at life gave him a profound new mission: to help others, especially the less privileged, access the same kind of medical intervention that saved him.

In 2000, the Kanu Heart Foundation was established — not as a memorial to his success, but as a living legacy to the power of compassion and the importance of access to quality health care.

Our Mission

To put smiles on the faces of children and families by giving them a second chance at life through access to life-saving heart surgeries and cardiovascular care. The Kanu Heart Foundation's core mission is to facilitate heart surgeries for children and young adults (ages 0–21) with congenital and acquired heart defects, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who otherwise would not be able to afford such medical treatment.

Our Vision

A Nigeria and Africa where no child dies due to lack of access to timely heart surgery or quality cardiac care.

What We Do

1. Sponsorship of Heart Surgeries

KHF has sponsored over 560 successful open-heart surgeries for children and young people, in collaboration with top cardiac institutions in India, Israel, the UK, and Nigeria.

2. Awareness Campaigns

The Foundation runs nationwide and pan-African campaigns to raise awareness about congenital heart diseases, symptoms, early detection, and the importance of medical check-ups.

3. Healthcare Partnerships

KHF has formed partnerships with local and international hospitals, cardiologists, and NGOs to facilitate surgeries and post-operative care.

4. Advocacy and Public Health

KHF actively engages with government bodies and stakeholders to push for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to affordable cardiac treatment.

5. Plans for a Cardiac Specialist Hospital in Nigeria

One of KHF's long-term goals is the construction of an ultra-modern Cardiac Specialist Hospital in Nigeria — a regional hub for affordable and world-class heart treatment in West Africa.

Our Impact (2000 - 2025)

560+ Open-Heart Surgeries Fully Funded
₦500M+ Mobilized Through Fundraising and Donations
25 Years of Transformative Service
5 Countries Reached
18mo Youngest Life Saved
Multiple Awards and Recognitions

Testimonies from Survivors

Many of the children sponsored by KHF have gone on to live full, active lives — attending school, playing sports, and giving back to their communities. These are the real victories of the Foundation's work: not just healing hearts, but rebuilding futures.

Happy children after treatment Family celebration Medical consultation Recovery progress

Sarah's Journey - Age 8

"Before my surgery, I couldn't play with my friends or even walk to school without getting tired. My parents were so worried, and we didn't know where to find help. The Kanu Heart Foundation found us and gave me a new life. Now I can run, play, and even dance! I want to become a doctor like the ones who saved me so I can help other children too."

A Father's Gratitude - Mr. Adebayo

"When doctors told us our daughter needed heart surgery costing millions of naira, we thought it was the end. We are simple traders from Kano. How could we afford such money? KHF didn't just pay for the surgery - they took care of everything: flights, accommodation, follow-up care. Our daughter is now 15 and top of her class. They gave us our child back."

From Patient to Champion - Emmanuel, 18

"I had my surgery when I was 12 through KHF. The doctors in India were amazing, and KHF made sure my mother could stay with me throughout. Today, I'm in university studying medicine, and I've started a support group for children with heart conditions. Every day, I'm grateful for my second chance at life."

Recent Foundation Activities

Here's a glimpse into our ongoing work - from medical consultations and screenings to community outreach and awareness campaigns. Every day, we're making a difference in young lives across Africa.

Medical screening in progress

Medical Screening

Community health screenings to identify children needing cardiac intervention

Family consultation

Family Consultations

Providing guidance and support to families throughout the treatment journey

Medical team meeting

Medical Team Coordination

Coordinating with medical professionals to ensure the best care for each child

Patient care

Patient Care

Hands-on care and monitoring throughout the treatment process

Community outreach

Community Outreach

Reaching underserved communities to spread awareness and provide care

Success celebrations

Success Stories

Celebrating successful treatments and healthy recoveries

Challenges We Face

Despite the success, KHF continues to face challenges such as:

Rising Cost of Overseas Surgeries

Medical costs continue to increase globally, making it more expensive to provide life-saving surgeries to children in need.

Limited Number of Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons in Nigeria

The shortage of specialized medical professionals limits local capacity to perform complex heart surgeries.

Lack of Early Diagnosis Tools and Cardiac Centers in Rural Areas

Many children's conditions go undiagnosed due to limited access to specialized medical facilities in remote areas.

Limited Government Funding for Non-Communicable Diseases

Government health budgets prioritize infectious diseases, leaving limited resources for heart conditions and other NCDs.

Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years

As KHF celebrates 25 years of transformative service in 2025, the Foundation is undergoing a strategic repositioning and rebranding effort to expand its reach, strengthen infrastructure, and deepen partnerships. This includes:

Launching a Digital Donation and Donor Tracking Platform

Modernizing our fundraising efforts through technology to make donations more accessible and transparent.

Partnering with Corporate Sponsors and Financial Institutions

Building sustainable funding partnerships for long-term impact and consistent support for children in need.

Enhancing Community-Based Cardiac Screening Programs

Expanding early detection programs to reach more children in underserved communities across Africa.

Renewed Campaign to Complete the Proposed KHF Heart Centre

Establishing a world-class cardiac facility in Nigeria to reduce the need for overseas medical travel.

Our Healthcare Partners

KHF has partnered with renowned hospitals such as:

Fortis Healthcare

India

Bikaner Heart Centre

India

Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre

Nigeria

The Reddington Hospital

Nigeria

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)

Nigeria

How You Can Support

KHF's work is powered by goodwill, donations, and partnerships. You can support us through:

Corporate Sponsorships

Partner with us to make a significant impact through corporate social responsibility initiatives that save children's lives.

Monthly or One-time Donations

Every naira goes directly into giving a child the gift of life — a chance to run, play, and live without pain.

Volunteering and Fundraising

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help us organize fundraising events and awareness campaigns.

Partnering for Community Heart Health Programs

Work with us to bring cardiac screening and awareness programs to your community or organization.