The Alternative Bank (AltBank), in partnership with the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF), commemorated World Heart Day with a symbolic 5km walk in Lagos.
The walk, which raised awareness on cardiovascular diseases, also marked the kickoff of KHF’s 25th anniversary campaign. Through the campaign, the partners will mobilise resources to fund open-heart surgeries for 600 beneficiaries.
According to the World Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Globally, one in five people die early from CVD, and yet research shows that up to 80% of cases are preventable. Actions as simple as 30 minutes of daily exercise can help address most CVD risks, but worryingly, one in three adults is not moving enough.
The Founder and Chairman of the Kanu Heart Foundation, football legend Kanu Nwankwo, MON, who himself successfully underwent open-heart surgery during his professional career, at the walk, called on Nigerians to prioritise heart health. He also urged the public to support the ‘₦600 for 600 Hearts’ campaign, which aims to make life-saving surgeries accessible to more people in need.
As part of the activities, participants received free heart screenings, underscoring the importance of preventive care in tackling heart-related illnesses.
Addressing participants at the walk in Lagos, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive at The Alternative Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to championing causes that impact lives directly:
“The Alternative Bank is honoured to walk side by side with the Kanu Heart Foundation in its noble mission to give hope to hundreds of Nigerians who, otherwise, would not be able to access the care they need for a second chance at life.
Supporting access to these open-heart surgeries is about restoring hope to families and communities. We are happy to be making a tangible difference.”
World Heart Day, celebrated globally every September 29, is dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, and preventive measures.
From individuals and families to schools, communities, and governments, the call is the same: to make equitable heart health a priority and to drive meaningful change.
Interested donors and supporters can visit the official social media pages of The Alternative Bank and the Kanu Heart Foundation for more details on how to contribute to the “₦600 for 600 Hearts” campaign and help save a life.
