By Japan Heart | Project Leader
Overview
From June to September 2026, Japan Heart continued providing medical care to children and families who face significant barriers to accessing treatment in Myanmar. Stories from this period illustrate not only the importance of reaching patients in need, but also the long-term impact that medical care can have on a person’s future.
From a young girl who received life-changing surgery 15 years ago and has continued to be supported through her journey into adulthood, to a four-year-old child overcoming multiple surgeries with hopes of returning to school, Japan Heart’s work demonstrates that medical care can extend far beyond a single treatment. At the same time, surgical missions provided opportunities for local healthcare professionals to gain experience and strengthen their skills.
Through continued medical missions, long-term follow-up, and collaboration with local staff, Japan Heart remains committed to ensuring that people in Myanmar can access the care they need and build brighter futures.
Key Updates & Achievements
A 15-Year Journey: How Medical Care Changed One Girl’s Future (Jun. 30, 2026)
Fifteen years ago, six-year-old Nyi Nyi came to Japan Heart with a congenital condition that made everyday life and attending school extremely difficult. At the time, specialized treatment was not available in Myanmar. With support from Japan Heart and pediatric surgical specialist Dr. A., she traveled to Japan for a major surgery and rehabilitation. After a 20-hour operation and nearly two months of hospitalization, she was able to return to school.
Dr. A. continued to follow her condition during subsequent visits to Myanmar. In 2026, Nyi Nyi is now 21 years old and pursuing her own career goals.
Achievement: This 15-year journey demonstrates how access to appropriate medical care can transform not only a child’s health, but also their education, independence, and future opportunities.
Four-Year-Old Girl Overcomes Multiple Surgeries and Looks Toward School (Aug. 29, 2026)
Four-year-old Myo Myo was born with anorectal malformation and faced significant difficulties accessing treatment in her rural community. Her family traveled approximately 200 kilometers to Wachet Charity Hospital, taking around three days to reach the hospital due to security-related travel restrictions. After her first surgery in 2024, she returned in 2026 for the final stage of treatment.
Despite undergoing difficult treatment at a very young age, Myo Myo successfully completed the surgery and recovered well. She now looks forward to returning home and going to school. Her mother also shared her hope that Myo Myo may one day become a doctor who can give hope to other patients who struggle to access medical care.
Achievement: By providing staged surgical treatment and continued follow-up, Japan Heart helped a child overcome a serious congenital condition and move toward a future where she can attend school and pursue her dreams.
Surgical Mission in Wachet: Delivering Care While Strengthening Local Nursing Capacity (Sep. 26, 2026)
During a five-day surgical mission at Wachet Charity Hospital in August, Japan Heart’s medical team performed 42 surgeries. Among the patients was Myo Myo, who received surgery to close her colostomy following previous procedures to treat her congenital condition.
The mission also provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities for local healthcare professionals. Young Myanmar nurses gained experience in postoperative care, learning to monitor vital signs, fluid balance, and other important changes while working closely with experienced nurses. Through repeated practice and guidance, local staff are gradually building the skills and confidence needed to provide safe and effective care.
Achievement: The mission provided essential surgical care while strengthening the capabilities of local healthcare professionals, helping build a more sustainable foundation for medical care in Myanmar.
Upcoming Goals
Continue providing surgical care to children and patients who face barriers to accessing specialized treatment.
Strengthen follow-up care for patients with complex or congenital conditions.
Continue hands-on training and knowledge exchange with Myanmar healthcare professionals.
Expand opportunities for local medical staff to take greater leadership in patient care and surgical missions.
Acknowledgement
Thank you for standing with Japan Heart and the people of Myanmar. Your support makes it possible to reach patients who may otherwise have no access to specialized medical care, while also helping local healthcare professionals develop the skills needed to sustain care within their communities.
Every patient represents more than a medical case. With access to the right treatment and continued support, a child can return to school, pursue a dream, and build a future that may once have seemed out of reach. We are deeply grateful for your continued support in helping make these futures possible.
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