YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) is pleased to announce the resumption of the YWAM Dental Trailer program for 2024 in collaboration with NCDC, NCD PHA, and NCD Department of Education. A four-way memorandum of understanding was signed between these entities last year with the goal to provide essential dental care and education to school children in NCD. This year’s program will be officially opened today by YWAM MS Patron and Prime Minister Marape’s wife, Mrs. Rachael Marape, at Sevese Morea Elementary and Primary School in Port Moresby.
Equipped with three dental chairs and sterilisation facilities, the dental semi-trailer is prepared to deliver high-quality dental care services to students. The YWAM Dental Trailer is set to visit seven schools throughout the year.
Mr. Ken Mulligan, Managing Director of YWAM MS, said their team is eager to resume school engagement.
“It is wonderful to have the dental trailer back in schools. We currently have a great team of volunteers from seven different nations, including 12 from Papua New Guinea, who are eager to serve the students. Our goal is to expand the program and collaborate with stakeholders to engage more local dentists, meeting the critical dental needs of children.
“I’m pleased to have the support of our patrons, Mrs. Rachael Marape and Mr. Charles Abel, today as we launch the program for 2024. My heartfelt thanks also goes to our generous supporters who have helped make this possible,” said Mr Mulligan.
Following WHO treatment guidelines, the Dental Trailer will deliver treatment to students in grade prep, grade 5, and grade 9, including restorations, extractions, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Additionally, students will benefit from interactive oral health education sessions. Each student will receive a Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and educational materials to promote good oral hygiene practices.
While Hon. James Marape, MP is walking the Kokoda Tract with Australia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, to strengthen relationship, his wife, Mrs Rachael Marape, is working in local schools with an Australian-based NGO to strengthen the PNG health system.
Mrs. Rachael Marape, Patron for YWAM MS, said the program is helping to meet a critical need.
“Over 80% of the students YWAM MS have assessed have tooth decay. The combination of treatment and education is helping to address the immediate need for care, and prevention for the future.
“I’m proud of this program, and hope to see its expansion to more schools and regions across our country,” says Mrs Marape.
The YWAM Dental Trailer initiative was made possible through an invitation from the NCD Governor, Honourable Powes Parkop, who welcomed YWAM MS to operate the dental trailer in Port Moresby schools.
YWAM Medical Ships extends its heartfelt gratitude to its supporters, including the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), NCD Provincial Health Authority, NCD Education Services Department of Education, Henry Schein, Colgate-Palmolive, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Ok Tedi, Air Niugini, AEDERS Dental Equipment Maintenance, and EmoTrans, whose contributions have made the YWAM School Dental Program a success.
For more information about YWAM Medical Ships and its outreach programs, please visit www.ywamships.org or contact info@ywamships.org
YWAM Dental Trailer Parked at Sevese Morea Elementary & Primary School
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