YWAM Medical Ships

Training PNG’s workforce

The medical ships’ PNG patron, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, recently made this statement aboard the MV YWAM PNG soon after it reached Port Moresby from Townsville.

In its 2018 annual report, YWAM Medical Ships outlined that it engages in a range of activities to strengthen PNG’s health workforce, especially in rural areas. Activities also focus on building capacity within young Papua New Guineans serving as part of the program in non-clinical roles.

Medical ship invited to Kikori

MP Soroi Eoe, who is also the Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development, made this undertaking following a tour with the YWAM Medical Ships at the Port Moresby Harbour on Tuesday (Nov 14).

Eoe said Gulf Province was the first in the country to invite the YWAM Medical Ships, under leadership of former Governor Havila Kavo.

He said many delta communities were treated on the medical ship since its involvement.

“I acknowledge the tremendous work YWAM is doing in Papua New Guinea and also in my very own Kikori Open electorate,” said the MP.

​Queen acknowledges YWAM Medical Ships’ services

Ken Mulligan and Dr Daryl Holmes have both been awarded with an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The award has been granted in recognition of their leadership and personal commitment to the work that YWAM Medical Ships is doing in collaboration with national and provincial health authorities in remote areas of the Southern region and Morobe Province.

​K1.6m to help with YWAM ships' operations

A funding agreement has been signed today between YWAM Medical Ships and Puma Energy at the Puma Energy office in Port Moresby. The contract represents an extension of the agreement held by YWAM Medical Ships and Puma Energy over the last two years.

Puma Energy’s PNG country manager, Jim Collings, said it was an agreement Puma Energy was proud to continue.

“YWAM Medical Ships is helping to reach some of the most remote communities in the country with health care and training in collaboration with local health providers.

Sohe supports YWAM with K100,000

The funds are the fulfilment of a pledge toward operational expenses for YWAM’s training and medical ship, the MV YWAM PNG.

Member for Sohe Open, Delilah Gore, said the funding represents the district administration’s commitment to reaching isolated communities in Sohe District with healthcare and training.  

Over 3,500 patients in Abau district

In partnership with Central Provincial Health, the YWAM Medical Ship team delivered healthcare and training to over 3,500 patients in 21 villages during the last two weeks. Almost 100 volunteers from 14 different nations were aboard for the voyage, including 39 from Papua New Guinea. 

Field activities delivered include immunisations, maternal health services, dentistry procedures, eye care, health promotion and in-service training for local health workers.

YWAM acquires new supply vessel to help with work

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.
 

655 eye patients treated at Kupiano

More than 2,000 people also attended health promotion sessions.

The land-based healthcare team, in partnership with local health workers and the Abau District Administration, delivered optometry services, dental procedures and health education at Kupiano's Health Centre.

One of the patients seen was a 35 year-old mother of four named Openi. Openi was considered legally blind and could only see two metres in front of her. YWAM’s optometry team fitted Openi with a pair of glasses which enabled her to read, and see half-way down the vision acuity chart.

MV YWAM PNG completes maiden voyage

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.

Kerema greatly needs dentistry services: YWAM

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.