Six children from Fiji, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands are preparing to return home after receiving life-saving heart treatment at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji.

The children’s recovery was celebrated today at a special Gift of Life ceremony, marking an important milestone for the children and their families after weeks and, in some cases, months of medical care.

Director of the Sai Prema Foundation, Dr Krupali Tappoo, says the programme is putting the foundation’s “One World, One Family” philosophy into action.

Medical professionals from Singapore, India and Australia volunteered their time and expertise, working alongside local medical teams to provide specialised cardiac care to the children.

For Latileta’s family, the journey began after doctors discovered that she had a heart condition.

Her mother says the successful surgery has given her daughter a new opportunity to move forward after years of health challenges.

For baby Takabo from Kiribati, the journey has been even more difficult.

Takabo has spent almost her entire life in hospital, after being identified through a screening programme and referred for treatment.

She was among the children who underwent screening before receiving the specialised care she needed.

After spending the past two months in hospital, Takabo can now finally leave and return to Kiribati to be with her family.

The treatment has not only given the six children a chance at better health, but also renewed hope for their families.

For the children and their loved ones, today’s ceremony represents more than a hospital discharge.

It is a celebration of recovery, compassion and the opportunity to begin a new chapter in life.

By: Vasiti Vose