ONE-YEAR-OLD Steven Amo has been given a new chance at life after undergoing a successful two-hour operation at Paradise Private Hospital to repair a large abdominal hernia.
Steven was born with an abdominal wall defect, a condition that develops while a baby is still in the womb when the abdominal muscles and tissues do not form normally.
For Steven’s parents, Jefferson and Meania Amo, the condition was frightening from the beginning. They described looking at their newborn son as being like looking through glass into his stomach, with his intestines and other internal organs visible because the normal abdominal wall had not developed properly to protect them.
Steven was initially cared for at Kerema General Hospital, where his mother remained by his side. Due to the specialist equipment and treatment required, he was referred to Port Moresby General Hospital in 2025.
Following treatment, the skin around Steven’s abdomen slowly developed. However, as he grew, he developed a large abdominal hernia through the weakened abdominal wall, requiring specialist paediatric surgery.
That opportunity came during the recent visit of renowned paediatric surgeon Professor Paddy Dewan to Papua New Guinea through the specialist surgical programme involving Paradise Private Hospital and Kind Cuts for Kids (KCK).
Steven was one of four children who underwent surgery at Paradise Private Hospital during Professor Dewan’s visit.
His operation lasted approximately two hours and was carried out by Professor Dewan in collaboration with Dr Kennedy James and the Paradise Private Hospital medical team.
The procedure successfully repaired Steven’s large abdominal hernia. He recovered well following the operation and was discharged on Tuesday.
Dr Kennedy James described Steven’s recovery as a “miracle.”
For Jefferson and Meania Amo, the successful operation brought enormous relief after a difficult first year caring for their son.
The family expressed their sincere gratitude to Professor Dewan, Dr James, Paradise Private Hospital, Kind Cuts for Kids and the medical teams involved in Steven’s care.
Steven’s father, Jefferson Amo, said the family had endured a difficult period watching their young son suffer but were now grateful and happy to see him recovering.
The family also thanked God for carrying Steven through his difficult journey and giving him another chance at life.
BUILDING PAEDIATRIC SURGICAL CAPACITY
Steven’s operation was part of a wider specialist surgical visit during which four children received operations at Paradise Private Hospital.
The partnership between Paradise Private Hospital and Kind Cuts for Kids aims to improve access to specialist paediatric surgical care in Papua New Guinea while strengthening the capacity of local medical professionals.
The programme provides opportunities for local surgeons and medical staff to work alongside visiting specialists, participate in complex operations, share knowledge and develop specialist skills.
PPH co-owner and Director of Finance and Commercial Janet Sios has played a key role in supporting the partnership and efforts to expand access to specialist paediatric surgery in PNG.
The programme is focused not only on providing surgery during specialist visits, but also on supporting long-term development of paediatric surgical services and local expertise.
Steven’s recovery is a powerful example of the difference that specialist collaboration can make for children and families who require complex surgical care.
After a difficult first year of life, Steven is now home with his family and beginning a new chapter.