Our partner: HeartKids

Heart Foundation and HeartKids unite to help children impacted by heart disease

The Heart Foundation and HeartKids are proud to announce they are joining forces in a partnership which will accelerate their work towards their vision for all Australians impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) to live happy, healthier and more productive lives.

CoHD is a major health issue nationally, with an estimated 2,400 babies born with a form of congenital heart disease each year¹ and many more developing heart conditions during childhood. It is the most common congenital disorder in newborns affecting up to 1 in 100 births and as for most there is no cure, CoHD is lifelong, impacting children, teens and adults.

About HeartKids

For over 40 years, HeartKids has been the leading voice for Australians impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), including congenital heart disease (CHD) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). HeartKids has an unwavering dedication and community support making a lifelong impact on those navigating CoHD. They champion the CoHD community, fighting for more lives well lived and ensuring no one feels alone.

Partnering for healthier hearts

Efforts to help children, teens and their families with CoHD require a concerted effort to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. This key collaboration combines the Heart Foundation's expertise in heart health advocacy and research with HeartKids’ dedicated support for people navigating life with CoHD.

Through this partnership, both organisations will reduce the impact of CoHD by:

• Delivering community awareness campaigns that aim to educate the nation on CoHD and its impact.
• Advocating for improved health services and funding for CoHD care.
• Supporting new research programs which will help advance treatment options, and long-term management.
• Working to reduce the rate and impact of rheumatic heart disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Visit HeartKids to learn more about how they play a critical role in providing support, resources, and advocacy for Australian impacted by childhood-onset heart disease.