A memorable event was hosted onboard the YWAM Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, by YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) Patrons, Mrs. Rachael Marape and Mr. Charles Abel, last night in Port Moresby. The gathering aimed to highlight the critical work that has been done through the ship in rural and remote areas of PNG over the past 14 years, while also garnering support to ensure the continuation of these vital services.
The event saw attendance from leaders across both the government and private sectors, including keynote speaker, Honourable John Rosso, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, demonstrating a strong support network for the ongoing work of YWAM MS.
Mrs. Rachael Marape, Patron of YWAM MS, shared her passion for supporting rural communities in PNG, particularly women and children.
“In a nation where over 80% of our population resides in rural areas, we recognise that delivering healthcare and training services to isolated communities is a challenge. We need innovative solutions matched with individuals who have a heart and commitment to serve with compassion and care.
“I see this demonstrated in YWAM MS’ work – the commitment to work in partnership with local health authorities to reach some of our most vulnerable and isolated communities is a joy,” said Mrs Marape.
Mr. Charles Abel, YWAM MS Patron, expressed his gratitude, “we recognize that together, we can achieve much more for young people by building healthy lives, communities, and nations with the support of a wide range of friends and supporters. Events like last night serve as important reminders of what is possible when we work together,” said Mr Abel.
The MV YWAM PNG is equipped with a four-chair dental clinic, a day procedure unit, a laboratory, and small boats to transport teams to further afield. The ship can accommodate over 100 volunteers and crew members, allowing it to provide child and maternal health services, dentistry procedures, eye care (including sight-restoring eye surgeries), health education,TB and HIV testing, and collegial support and mentoring for local health workers.
To maintain and expand these essential services, YWAM MS is seeking to raise K4 million in operational funding. YWAM MS Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said they were encouraged by those who kicked off the giving at the event last night.
“My sincere gratitude goes to those who pledged their support last night. We are very thankful,” said Mr Mulligan.
YWAM MS will be deploying a team to the Delta Fly District in the Western Province next week. Meanwhile, the YWAM Dental Trailer is currently providing oral health education and treatment to students at Carr Memorial Adventist School in Port Moresby.
Since 2010, in collaboration with local health authorities, YWAM MS has delivered over 2 million healthcare and training services to hundreds of remote villages. Donations to YWAM MS’ work can me made at www.ywamships.org/donate/medical-ship/
YWAM MS is proudly supported by Australian Aid, PNG National Government, Henry Schein, Kumul Minerals, Western Provincial Government, NCDC, Hiri Koiari Open Electorate, PNG Ports Corporation, Parkside Group, Port of Townsville, Ok Tedi Mining, Colgate-Palmolive, 1300SMILES, Honeycombes Property Group, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Mitsubishi Electric, Days for Girls, AkzoNobel, Lions Recycle for Sight, City of Townsville, Pro-Ma Systems, Pacific Islands International, Rotarians Against Malaria, AVIS, Coutts Redington, Mun, Pacific Marine Group, Medical Dental Solutions, Kingdom Air Conditioning, Dawson & Associates, Hu-Friedy, Trukai, Gearbox Solutions, Luminell, Lancini Property & Development, Wison/Ryan/Grose, Universal Cranes, World Vision, PwC, Septodont, Mocom Australia, PVW Partners, 3M, GE Healthcare, Essilor Vision Foundation, Austal, SDP, FileMaker, and Pacific Towing.
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