PNG’s National Department of Health

The announcement of the 2021-2023 extension coincides with International Snakebite Awareness Day on 19 September.

PNG has one of the highest localised snakebite rates in the world – with snakebite mortality rates in some parts of the country three times higher than malaria or tuberculosis.

However, more than 500 lives have been saved in PNG over the last three years through improved access to the timely administration of antivenom.

The partnership is an initiative of PNG’s National Department of Health, the Australian government and Seqirus Pty Ltd. 

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.