Puma Energy, Papua New Guinea’s leading fuel and lubricants supplier have announced an extension of their sponsorship support for YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea’s (YWAM MS). The Funding Agreement was signed between YWAM Medical Ships and Puma Energy aboard the YWAM’s training and medical ship, MV YWAM PNG, Wednesday evening in Port Moresby.
Puma Energy are extending their support for another two years, valued at PGK1.6 million. Puma Energy’s total investment since 2015 is almost PGK7 million.
Puma Energy’s PNG Country Manager, Jim Collings, said supporting YWAM MS aligns with Puma Energy’s mission of Energising Communities.
“Fueled by Puma Energy, the MV YWAM PNG and its team of 100+ volunteers, travel to isolated communities to deliver essential healthcare and training in collaboration with local health providers.
“We are privileged and proud to be supporting an organization who are helping to strengthen health in rural areas, while also providing wonderful volunteering opportunities for PNG’s health professionals and young people to develop new skills and a sense of pride in building their nation. We are delighted to be sending four of our employees to volunteer aboard this year.
“Today is a day of great celebration as we make a commitment to continue our partnership for the benefit of thousands of people living in PNG’s remote areas,” said Jim.
The MV YWAM PNG returned to PNG on Sunday after spending the past six weeks in Townsville for maintenance and restocking. YWAM MS’ next 10-month deployment will begin this weekend, starting in Western Province.
YWAM MS Patron for PNG, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, said “It is wonderful to have our ship home. Signing the agreement with Puma Energy tonight is a great way to start our next deployment. Puma Energy’s support will enable our ship to reach hundreds of remote communities over the next two years.
“We are grateful to work alongside like-minded partners who are committed to help build capacity in remote communities. It is important to continue this vital partnership that is changing lives,”
In collaboration with local health authorities, YWAM MS has delivered over 1.5 million healthcare and training services in the Southern region and Morobe Province since 2010, including direct care to over 200,000 patients.
One of the patients that was seen during the last deployment included an eight year-old boy with advanced Tuberculosis. Within 24 hours, the young boy was tested in the MV YWAM PNG’s onboard lab, provided a diagnosis, and put on treatment by the local health centre, he is now expected to make a full recovery.
“This is just one of the many stories that represent the lives that are being touched. The last nine years have been about laying the foundations for helping to build further capacity in communities. A lot can happen as we continue to work together with leaders who are committed to help build healthy villages for a healthy Papua New Guinea,” said Sir Rabbie.
The MV YWAM PNG will spend the week in Port Moresby before sailing to Western Province this weekend for a collaborative outreach with Middle Fly District Health authorities. Over 100 volunteers from 13 nations will be aboard for the outreach, including 38 from PNG.
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