YWAM Medical Ship delivers healthcare and training to over 3,500 patients in Abau district

YWAM’s Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, has just completed a successful deployment to Abau District, Central Province.

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.

Central Province Governor, Kila Haoda, said he saw the YWAM Medical Ship’s clinics in action when the MV YWAM PNG was anchored in Domara.

“It is one thing to read the reports and hear the stories, but to see YWAM’s work first hand is something else.

“I am very happy on behalf of my people for this partnership; for the healthcare services, the training, and all the volunteers who are dedicated to delivering it.

“YWAM is doing an excellent job in Papua New Guinea. I am very proud to have the MV YWAM PNG serving in our province,” said Governor Haoda.

Among the patients treated over the last two weeks were three siblings (7, 12 and 20 years) who had a genetic eye condition resulting in poor vision. After an assessment from YWAM Medical Ships optometry team, each one of them was fitted with a pair glasses that improved their vision considerably.

YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, said it is very special to be a part of improving quality of life for people living in PNG’s rural areas.

“This recently completed voyage was our third visit to the province. It has been a real joy for our teams to continue to build on the relationships that have been built with the provincial health team and the health workers serving in remote villages.

“Together we’ve achieved some great results, it has been very pleasing to see the number of patients, services and training multiply year after year,” said Mulligan.

The MV YWAM PNG is re-stocking in Port Moresby for the week before she sets sail for her next deployment to Gulf Province on Saturday.

Over 100 volunteers will be onboard for the outreach from 14 different nations.