“Back in Samoa, Helen would always get sick and we would always be so worried and scared every time she would get the flu.” 

In July this year the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), with funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) launched the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative. This marked the beginning of the collaborative efforts to provide children like Helen, a second chance at life with good health.   

Helen was one of fifteen Pacific children from Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Fiji, and Tuvalu, who successfully underwent cardiac surgery as part of this program.  Salaevalu speaks on with this has meant for her and her family  

“I am so grateful for this initiative that is helping our children. Me and my daughter have received so much help – with the costs, somewhere to stay, transport to get us where we need to go.  

"We are so thankful. Now that Helen is stronger, I thank God, and ask for his guidance over the rest of her life and what she wants to do with it.” 

The Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, along with other regional services work under the NZMTS and the Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team, will be key points of discussion at the inaugural Global Health Symposium. The Symposium is set to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and the exchange of insights on global health challenges and innovations. It will be held as one of the pre-conference workshops ahead of the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference, taking place on Monday, 25th November 2024, at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch. 

Register here.