Why This Matters: Every Heart Tells A Story
Meet Esther
Esther underwent not one—but two—heart surgeries abroad to correct her congenital heart defect. Her journey was made possible through the care and coordination of Vivo Cuore and its partners. Today, she thrives with a healthy heart.
But for hundreds of children like her, the distance and delay remain a deadly barrier.
The Reality For Children
Every year, at least 150 Rwandan children are diagnosed with congenital heart diseases (CHDs), but many more go undetected due to limited medical infrastructure.
CHDs are the leading cause of disease-related death in Rwanda, and infants diagnosed under age 1 face mortality rates 3.5 to 4.4 times higher than in North America and Western Europe.
Our Vision
Vivo Cuore was founded by Sandrine Murengerantwali—herself a survivor of CHD surgery — On the promise that one day, every Rwandan child affected by a CHD would be treated at home.
For Every Child's tomorrow: The work of Vivo Cuore Cath lab
Efficient, Less Invasive Care
The cath lab enables interventional catheterization and diagnostics—procedures that are quicker, less painful, and allow faster recovery than open-heart surgery. Approximately 80% of cardiac interventions can be performed here.
Empowering Local Expertise & Research
Most of the training missions will take place in the catheterization laboratory. Local teams will develop their skills there according to the highest international standards of pediatric cardiology, through the use of technologies and techniques specific to this environment.
A Vision of Scale and Sustainability
In the first five years, the Heart Centre is expected to perform at least 400 surgeries per year. Beyond that, operations are set to reach 2,000 interventions annually.
Centered on every child’s right to a healthy heart, the Heart Centre aims to create a sustainable and scalable model of care that reaches beyond Rwanda to children across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Goal: USD 500,000 for One Cath Lab
Our Goal
Raise USD 500,000 (≈ CAD 650,000) to fund equipment—from the floor stand and patient table to image systems and injectors—provided by Siemens Healthineers, a pioneer in medical technology and innovation.
Our Promise
Nearly 100% of every dollar goes to mending children’s hearts. Vivo Cuore is lean, volunteer-based, and committed to radical transparency and integrity.
What Your Donation Covers
A transparent breakdown box could show components of cath lab funding (e.g., imaging system, injector, control cabinet), along with the training and sustainability margins.
How You Can Help
Spread the Word
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Donate Now
Your contribution helps turn compassion into action today.
Become a partner
Join us in creating meaningful, long-term impact together.
Behind the Journey
Additional Stories
Establishing the cath lab is a landmark achievement for pediatric cardiac care in Rwanda, providing children with timely, life-saving treatment while reducing the need for costly referrals abroad. The facility not only enhances clinical capacity and fosters sustainable skills development but also lays the foundation for a scalable model that can reach children across the region.
Acknowledgements
Chain of Hope UK
Chain of Hope UK, with its long-established and internationally recognized expertise in pediatric cardiology, has played a pivotal role in this project. Their guidance and technical support help ensure that children in Rwanda receive world-class cardiac care while building sustainable local capacity for the future.
Siemens Healthineers
Siemens Healthineers, a global leader in medical technology, has been instrumental in equipping the cath lab with state-of-the-art imaging and interventional equipment. Their expertise ensures that children in Rwanda have access to advanced, reliable cardiac care, while supporting the development of sustainable local healthcare capacity.