Registrations for the PMA Conference are now open! Click here for more information.

Uto Bulabula initiative: Transforming lives of Pacific children through Cardiac Care
Updates / News, 21 Oct 24
Matie Stanley, a mother from Tuvalu, once feared she would never see her son Elijah celebrate his second birthday. Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, one-year-old Elijah faced an uncertain future. But through the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, launched in July under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), Elijah received life-saving cardiac surgery, giving him a renewed chance at life. Now, Matie looks forward to his upcoming birthday with immense gratitude and hope.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, through the NZMTS funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), remains committed to providing lifesaving medical care to Pacific countries. This year, 15 children, including Elijah, benefited from the Uto Bulabula initiative, offering them and their families a brighter future. 

Elijah was one of fifteen Pacific children from Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Fiji, and Tuvalu, who successfully underwent cardiac surgery as part of this program. For Matie, who is currently studying law at the University of the South Pacific, the initiative has done more than just save her son’s life; it has given her renewed purpose. 

“I’m studying right now because I want to build a future where I can provide for Elijah. I want to give him every opportunity, including getting him to school and making sure he has a normal, happy childhood.”  

Stories such as Matie's and Elijah's highlight the impact of the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative. This program, along with the NZMTS and other initiatives such as PMA Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT), are some of the key points of discussion to be highlighted at the inaugural Global Health Symposium. Designed to provide a platform for robust discussions and insight sharing on global health challenges  and innovations, the Symposium will precede the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference as one of the pre-conference workshops, taking place on Monday 25th November, 2024, at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch. 

Register here.