This year's mission will support four children from Samoa, five from Tonga and six from Vanuatu, who will travel to Fiji to undergo surgery at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani heart Hospital Fiji.
Since its inception, Uto Bulabula has enabled 44 children to receive life-saving heart surgery, addressing critical gaps in access to specialist cardiac services in Pacific countries where resources, infrastructure and specialist capacity remain limited.
The initiative is coordinated by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), funded by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and delivered in partnership with the Hearts4Kids Foundation and the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji.
Through these partnerships, Uto Bulabula provides a coordinated approach to accessing specialist surgical treatment, supporting children and their families to overcome geographical and healthcare system barriers that can delay access to essential care.
The Hearts4Kids medical team will once again generously volunteer their time and specialist expertise to perform the surgeries, continuing their longstanding commitment to providing life-saving cardiac care for Pacific children.
PMA Group CEO, Debbie Sorensen ONZM, says the initiative demonstrates what can be achieved through collective action and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific communities.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of where they are born or the healthcare resources available in their country. As we enter our third year of Uto Bulabula, we reflect on the 44 children who have already received life-saving surgery through this initiative.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our partners whose ongoing commitment and collaboration continue to make these life-saving surgeries possible. Uto Bulabula is a reflection of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose, ensuring more Pacific children have the opportunity to grow, thrive and look forward to a healthier future.”
The surgeries will take place at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Fiji, which provides specialised paediatric cardiac services for children across the region.
Hospital Director and CEO, Dr Krupali Tappoo COF, says the hospital is proud to continue its partnership with Uto Bulabula and support children and families who would otherwise face considerable challenges accessing treatment.
“For many of these children and their families, accessing specialised cardiac care is not always possible in their home countries. Being able to welcome them to our hospital and provide the treatment they need is incredibly meaningful. We look forward to welcoming this next group of children and supporting them through their surgical journey, with the hope that they can return home healthier and enjoy the childhood every child deserves.
“The Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is covering the cost of the mission and we appreciate the contribution by PMA to cover the costs of bringing the children from the Pacific Islands to Fiji.”
Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated by the Pasifika Medical Association Group, the NZMTS remains dedicated to building resilient health systems and strengthening specialist capability across the Pacific region. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the New Zealand Government.