30 children undergo heart screening in Bougainville

30 children in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville [AROB] have undergone specialized cardiac checks as part of the 2026 National Paediatric Cardiac Screening Program.

The two-day screening clinic was conducted from July 27–28 at Buka General Hospital.

Specialist paediatrician Dr Kunera Kiromat led the program alongside prominent local paediatrician Dr Mathias Tovilu and health extension officer Delourdes Patuai.

The visit was important step for Dr Kiromat, being her first independent screening visit where she managed all 30 paediatric cases.

Out of the 30 children evaluated; 10 were given a clean bill of health with normal heart function, two were diagnosed with complex cardiac conditions requiring ongoing medical monitoring, one child was identified for review by the OpenHeart Surgical Mission for potential surgery, and, a post-operative patient was reviewed following a patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] post-ligation procedure.

Dr Tovilu said the annual outreach provided a vital opportunity to identify children who needed specialized care and potential referral to Port Moresby for surgery.

“It also ensures that children with more complex heart conditions, including rheumatic heart disease, are reviewed by specialists and connected to the most suitable care pathway,” Dr Tovilu said.

“While not every child with a congenital heart condition will require surgery, the program helps prioritize those who are most likely to benefit from timely intervention, supporting better outcomes and ongoing care for children and their families.”

Bougainville is the seventh province visited under the national program this year, following earlier visits to Hela, Northern, Milne Bay, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, and Madang.

The screening in Buka was made possible through support from Buka General Hospital, Air Niugini, BSP Financial Group Limited, and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation.

The national screening team will head to East Sepik and Southern Highlands provinces next month, before traveling to East New Britain in September.