MORE than 470 free life-saving heart surgeries have been performed at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital since it opened in 2022, as the facility expands its services to adults amid the growing burden of heart disease across Fiji and the Pacific.
Joining the hospital’s mission is Australian philanthropy and partnerships specialist Stephanie Lenert, who has moved from Sydney to Suva to strengthen partnerships and expand access to specialist cardiac care.
“I believe in the power of community.”
Ms Lenert brings more than 18 years’ experience across the private, community services and not-for-profit sectors, including Lifeline Australia, Act for Peace and CatholicCare.
At Act for Peace, she secured the organisation’s largest major gift in its 75-year history, supporting people affected by conflict and displacement.
Her work has focused on philanthropy, partnerships and major donor engagement, bringing together schools, businesses, trusts, foundations and institutions.
An estimated 200 children in Fiji and 2500 across the Pacific are born with congenital heart disease each year, while overseas treatment can cost more than $100,000.
The hospital has expanded services to provide free heart care for adults, responding to cardiovascular disease, which remains Fiji’s leading cause of death.
“Cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s leading cause of death,” Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said.
