MV YWAM PNG

It was a motivational speech delivered by a woman at Maua’s high school, Goroka Grammar School, in 2015 that inspired her to pursue a career at sea.

“Working at sea seemed so different to me. In the Highlands women don’t really pursue a career in the maritime industry; that made me really want to do it,” said Maua.

With a fire in her belly and a dream in her heart, Maua worked to make her vision a reality. She ventured from the Highlands and enrolled at Madang Maritime College in 2016 where she began her career.

A joint Declaration of Intent (DOI) was signed last Friday aboard the YWAM Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG.

The DOI outlines a mutual desire to work together for the development of PNG, including the provision of medical treatment, training opportunities for PNG’s health workforce and capacity building projects.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel will also be encouraging Israeli medical professionals to volunteer on board MV YWAM PNG in rural and remote areas of PNG.

The innovative ultrasound machine (VSCAN with Dual Probe) will be used by YWAM Medical Ships’ primary health care teams, who work with local health care workers to set up mobile primary health care clinics in remote villages.

GE Country Leader in PNG, Peter Loko, said they were proud to be supporting YWAM Medical Ships work in Papua New Guinea.

“We really admire YWAM Medical Ships innovative approach to healthcare delivery in PNG’s rural areas.

The MV l’Astrolabe, soon to be renamed the MV YWAM Liberty, will be the fourth vessel to be deployed by YWAM Medical Ships into PNG, joining the MV Pacific Link and the MV YWAM PNG which are both currently serving in PNG, and the MY RUACH, due to join the fleet later this year.
 
Director of YWAM Medical Ships PNG, Ken Mulligan, said that the acquisition of the MV YWAM Liberty represents hope for tens of thousands of people with critical health and training needs in PNG.
 

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.

Dr Kiniafa is part of a land-based healthcare team that was deployed by YWAM Medical Ships for a one week patrol to Kerema.

In partnership with Kerema General Hospital, the team delivered optometry services, dental procedures and health education.   

“I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to expand my services to outside of Port Moresby," said Dr Kiniafa.

“A passion of mine is to also raise awareness on oral cancer, which is now the fastest growing cancer in Papua New Guinea.

With much appreciation to the YWAM Medical Ships’ ophthalmology (eye surgery) patrol and assistance from New Britain Palm Oil Limited, Pacific International Hospital and the Laila Foundation.

Central Province Governor, Kila Haoda, came good on his 2016 operational funding pledge to support the work of the medical ship.

This follows the presentation of K50,000 earlier in the year to meet the 2015 operational funding pledge.

Governor Haoda, accompanied by Central Provincial Administrator, Gei Guni Raga, said the provincial administration is proud of its partnership with YWAM Medical Ships in the Central Province.

“Our partnership with YWAM Medical Ships is an initiative that brings great joy to my heart,” said Governor Haoda.

This happened during YWAM’s collaborative outreach patrol to the Kiriwina-Goodenough District.  

The young girl, Mandy, had been blind for the last three years from bilateral cataracts; she could only see light and dark shades and was heavily dependent on family members for her basic everyday needs.  

Mandy’s family had been hoping and praying for the YWAM Medical Ship to return to their region since their last visit in 2014 with their previous vessel, MV Pacific Link.  

This immediately follows a successful patrol to Gulf Province.

Upon MV YWAM PNG’s arrival to Kaibola on Sunday, Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough Open, Douglas Tomuriesa, presented a cheque for K100,000 to YWAM Medical Ships on behalf of the Kiriwina-Goodenough District Development Authority (DDA).

He was fulfilling a pledge toward annual operational expenses for YWAM’s Training and Medical Ship, the MV YWAM PNG.