The YWAM Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, and her team of volunteers have just completed a successful voyage to the Tewae-Siassi District, Morobe Province.
In partnership with Morobe Provincial Health, the YWAM Medical Ships team delivered healthcare and training to over 4,000 patients in 23 villages during the last two weeks in the Tewae-Siassi District. Field activities included immunisations, maternal health services, dentistry procedures, eye care, health promotion and in-service training for local health workers.
Morobe Governor Kelly Naru said he presented a cheque for K500,000 to the YWAM Medical Ships team during a welcome ceremony at Lablab Station.
“YWAM Medical Ships has provided much-needed medical assistance to the rural and remote villages along the Morobe coastline and islands for the last two years.
“Together we’ve achieved some wonderful outcomes for our rural people. It has been a wonderful partnership, and one that we will continue to expand and develop,” said Governor Naru.
YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, said he was grateful for the Morobe Provincial Administration’s support.
“The Morobe Provincial Government has been very pro-active in their approach toward accessing the rural and remote communities in the province.
“We are very grateful for the strong support and partnership that has been developed over the last two years,” said Mulligan.
Aboard for the maiden voyage were 102 volunteers from 20 different nations, including 28 Papua New Guinean health professionals, mariners and general volunteers.
The MV YWAM PNG returned to Lae over the weekend, and will start her next voyage at the end of next week to Central Province.
Major supporters of YWAM Medical Ships include the PNG National Government, Puma Energy, Steamships Trading Company, PNG Ports Corp, Manolos Aviation, Oro, Morobe, Milne Bay, Central, Gulf and Western Provincial Governments, Sohe and Kiriwina-Goodenough District Development Authorities, Pro-Ma Systems, and the Australian Aid program.
(YWAM Medical Ships team with Governor Kelly Naru at the welcome ceremony in Lablab)