NZMTS: Healthy Hearts, Stronger Futures | Uto Bulabula Concludes Another Successful Mission

Updates / News, 7 Nov 25

The latest Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative has successfully concluded, with all of the thirteen young patients from the Pacific region and Fiji returned home following their successful operations and discharge from the programme. Since its inception last year, the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative has grown from serving children from Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Fiji and Tuvalu, to now also include Tonga and the Solomon Islands. Through this shared commitment, dozens of young patients have been given access to specialist cardiac care that would otherwise be out of reach, with their families receiving wraparound support throughout the process.

Collaboration was key for the mission to function at its best, from the teams of clinicians and nurses who volunteered their time, to the community members who took part in the blood drive organised by the Pasifika Medical Association Group and their partners to support the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Hospital.

Dr Veisinia Matoto, PMAG Clinical Director for NZMTS, reflected on the milestone as a testament to what is possible through partnership.

"Uto Bulabula was born from our conviction that Pacific children deserve the opportunity to live as long, healthy and fulfilling lives as any child in the world. This initiative represents the heart of our mission, in improving the quality of life for Pacific people through advancing health equity, strengthening Pacific clinical capacity, and improving the quality of care available to our communities.

"It is deeply inspiring to see that same commitment shared by our partners and communities. It is deeply inspiring to see that same commitment shared by our partners, who’s willingness to work together make this vision a reality."

The Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts Initiative is delivered in partnership between the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital and the Hearts4Kids Foundation, and funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

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