After delivering more than 1.94 million health and training services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2010, and after an incredibly difficult season with many dynamic parts, YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG (YWAM MS) is continuing to expand its capacity in the nation.
The medical and training vessel, MV YWAM PNG, has been in PNG since February 2021 upon the invitation of the Honourable James Marape, Prime Minister of PNG. The vessel arrived in Townsville over the weekend to prepare for repairs on drydock. The ship will dock at the Port of Townsville until drydock later in the year.
“We are grateful for the continued support from the Port of Townsville for accommodating the MV YWAM PNG upon her re-entry into Australia,” states the Honourable Mike Reynolds, Australian Patron for YWAM MS. “Townsville should be immensely proud of the work that it has achieved together through YWAM Medical Ships, which has also served to strengthen the important sister city relationship between Townsville and Port Moresby.”
The needs are pronounced in PNG, and with a newly-gifted YWAM MS satellite campus in Port Moresby, land-based teams, and dental semi-trailer, YWAM MS is well-positioned to continue to collaborate to empower healthy lives for a healthy PNG. YWAM MS plans to continue to support Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) via the deployment of land-based teams, facilitating integrated patrols to bring vital medical services to some of the most remote communities in the world.
Additionally, two new patrol tenders are scheduled to be deployed for outreach from the YWAM MS Port Moresby satellite campus to continue in community development activities, including health and maritime training and the delivery of vital health services.
“With 291 inhabited islands and over 5,000 kilometres of coastline, the need in rural and remote PNG is significant. There are so many opportunities for Australia to engage in meaningful partnerships,” states Mr Ken Mulligan, YWAM MS Managing Director. “YWAM MS’ current outreach model will continue to evolve to enable greater effectiveness and empower increased capacity in PNG – stay tuned for our next steps.”
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