By Japan Heart | Project Leader
Overview
Having reached a stable stage of operations since its opening, Japan Heart Asia Children's Medical Center (ACMC) is now moving into its next phase — expanding not only the quality of medical treatment, but also the overall quality of life for the children in its care. This period saw continued pediatric cancer and surgical treatment through visiting Japanese medical missions, the launch of an oral care project, the introduction of outdoor playtime for children undergoing cancer treatment, and the hospital's first specialized surgical mission since opening — together marking progress on both the medical and quality-of-life fronts.
Key Updates & Achievements
A Two-Year-Old Boy's Journey Through Childhood Cancer
A mission led by Dr. Yasuo Nakahara of NHO Okayama Medical Center brought a total of 11 surgeries, including cases of pediatric cancer. Among them was a two-year-old boy diagnosed with a sacrococcygeal yolk sac tumor. After a course of chemotherapy, he underwent nearly four hours of surgery and recovered safely.
Achievement: Through this short, intensive mission, the team was able to support the lives of many children despite limited resources.
Small Habits, Big Change — The Oral Care Project
Long hospital stays can lead to worsening oral health and higher infection risk. To address this, ACMC launched an oral care project with support from Ono Pharmaceutical. Led by oral surgeon Dr. Kishi, the project includes comprehensive oral health checks, bacterial count measurements for children on the pediatric cancer ward, brushing instruction, and habit-tracking tools to support daily self-care.
Though still in its early stages, the project has already seen children forming the habit of brushing twice a day, with small but meaningful changes emerging.
Achievement: A new initiative supporting infection prevention for immunocompromised children has begun to take root, helping children build awareness of their own health.
Bringing Outdoor Play to Children with Cancer
For children undergoing cancer treatment, infection risk has long meant spending nearly all their hospital stay confined indoors. ACMC introduced regular outdoor playtime on hospital grounds, made possible through careful safety planning — including zoning and disinfection protocols — now continuing a weekly basis.
Achievement: Children now have the chance to play and run between treatments, marking a new step toward improving quality of life during long hospital stays.
Dr. Koji Aoyama's Mission — ACMC's First Specialized Surgical Mission
A mission led by Dr. Koji Aoyama, a senior instructing physician with Japan Heart, brought the hospital's first specialized surgical mission since opening. Focusing on pediatric surgery and pediatric urology, the team performed 9 surgeries over the mission period, including 3 cases of hypospadias that does not resolve on its own and requires surgical correction.
Beyond performing surgeries himself, Dr. Aoyama worked alongside local and junior physicians, passing on both technical skill and an approach to patient care, contributing to the development of Cambodia's medical workforce.
Achievement: ACMC's first specialized surgical mission expanded the hospital's capacity to treat complex cases that had previously been difficult to address, while providing valuable hands-on training for local physicians.
Impact
As the hospital moves into this next stage, its work is expanding beyond treatment alone — into building the systems, skills, and everyday support that allow children not just to survive treatment, but to live well through it.
What's Still Needed
As these efforts take shape, continuing and expanding them will require ongoing support in the following areas:
What Your Donation Can Do
Asia Children's Medical Center
Call to Action
From a two-year-old boy facing cancer, to children building new daily habits through brushing and play, to those receiving surgery through Dr. Aoyama's mission — your support is what makes each of these moments possible.
Acknowledgement
We sincerely thank you for your continued, generous support.
Links:
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