Children are identified and assessed for surgery by a paediatric cardiologist funded under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), who travels across the Pacific to work alongside local health teams and ensure each child receives the right care at the right time 

This collaborative regional initiative is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the NZMTS, and is coordinated by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group in partnership with the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital and the Hearts4Kids Foundation.  

Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 programme, which supported surgeries for 15 children from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, this year’s mission has expanded to include children from Tonga. This growth reflects the increasing demand for accessible paediatric cardiac care across the region, as well as the continued commitment of all partners involved.  

All surgeries will be performed at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva, Fiji. A team of 35 volunteer surgeons, nurses, and technicians from the Hearts4Kids Foundation will be in country from 19 July to 30 July and work alongside local staff throughout the two-week mission to provide surgical care and support.  

Hospital Director for Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, Dr Krupali Tappoo COF, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming mission.  

“We are incredibly excited about the upcoming mission this July. Our team is well-prepared and looking forward to working closely with the Pasifika Medical Association Group and the Hearts4Kids team.  

"Through these ongoing collaborations, I hope we can continue to build strong local capacity.  

"It is a privilege to be part of this shared mission. Ultimately, our collective vision is that no child in the Pacific should ever suffer or lose their life simply because they don’t have access to life-saving treatment.”  

Dr Kirsten Finucane, former Head of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship and Auckland Hospitals, returns to lead the volunteer Hearts4Kids medical team in this year’s efforts. Dr Finucane, who has a long history of voluntary work in the Pacific, spoke to the motivation behind the initiative.  

“I think the most obvious and immediate reason for this work is that we can treat more children. In returning, we’re also focused on continuity and capacity building for local staff, with the aim of developing a more sustainable model.  

"We’re extremely happy to continue the work from last year. I believe that in our lives, many of us seek meaning through service, through helping others and contributing to causes that matter. One of the most powerful ways people pursue this is by working to ensure equitable access to healthcare.”  

Debbie Sorensen ONZM, Chief Executive Officer for PMA, reflected on the upcoming work.  

“We’re grateful to see the continuation of the Uto Bulabula project and for the willingness of our valued partners to carry on working with us. These missions represent more than life-saving interventions, they are a testament to the power of regional collaboration.”  

Uto Bulabula continues to demonstrate the strength of regional partnerships and the value of a Pacific-led approach to addressing long-standing health disparities. Alongside the provision of surgical care, the programme remains focused on workforce development, regional capacity building, and fostering sustainable healthcare solutions.