Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Uto Bulabula Returns: Expanding Healthy Heart Programme for Children in Pacific Region

Photo: Pasifika Medical Association

Following the success of its 2024 launch, the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative is back for a second year, expanding its reach to include children from Tonga. 

The programme supported life-saving cardiac surgeries for 15 children from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. 

Children eligible for surgery are assessed by a paediatric cardiologist funded under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), who travels across the region in collaboration with local health teams to ensure timely and appropriate care.

The initiative is made possible through funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade via the NZMTS, and is coordinated by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group. Key partners include the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital and the Hearts4Kids Foundation.

Dr Krupali Tappoo COF, Hospital Director at Sanjeevani Hospital, says, “We are incredibly excited for this July mission. Our teams are ready and committed to working closely with PMA and Hearts4Kids to strengthen local capacity. It’s a privilege to be part of this shared vision ensuring no child in the Pacific is denied life-saving care due to lack of access.”

Returning to lead the volunteer medical team is Dr Kirsten Finucane, former Head of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship and Auckland Hospitals. With deep ties to the Pacific, Dr Finucane spoke of the mission’s broader purpose:

“The immediate reward is being able to treat more children. But we’re equally focused on continuity and building local capacity to support long-term change. Many of us find purpose through service and ensuring equitable access to healthcare is one of the most meaningful ways to serve.”

PMA Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen ONZM echoed this sentiment:

“We’re proud to continue the Uto Bulabula initiative with our trusted partners. These missions are not only about saving lives they highlight the power and potential of regional collaboration.”

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