Cape Town, South Africa, April 23rd, 2008(WAM) -- Former South African president Nelson Mandela has welcomed a UN Messenger of Peace and a global philanthropist, currently visiting South Africa in aid of the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa (WSPCCA).
United Nations Messenger of Peace, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Mrs. Louise Blouin MacBain, founder of the Global Creative Leadership Summit and Chairman of the Louise Blouin Media Group, joined Mr. Mandela in raising awareness of the issue of paediatric cardiac wellness in Africa. The WSPCCA, an independent philanthropic foundation operating from within the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, raises funds to cover the cost of much-needed cardiac surgery to correct congenital heart defects in underprivileged children of Africa. Training and development for African doctors and nurses is also one of the many initiatives that the centre undertakes and for which they are always grateful to find partners who are willing to lend support and assistance. In support of the legacy of the late Walter Sisulu, the honourable guests today visited the WSPCCA where they toured the unit and met with Lynda Bleazard, CEO of the project and Dr Kinsley who heads up the team of doctors who perform these miracle surgeries daily. "Throughout my personal work and in my role as UN Messenger of Peace, I am committed to the betterment of the lives of under-privileged children around the world, particularly the sick and the hungry. It is a tremendous honour to meet Mandela and give support to the legacy of Walter Sisulu on this very unique project, said HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. "My goal has always been to highlight unity and solidarity for all the children of Africa and invite the world community to join in the effort. This is a special time to reflect on the progress that we have made throughout history, and I am honored to have met Mandela and give support to advancing paediatric health programs in Africa," said Louise Blouin MacBain.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
