MEDIA RELEASE PROVIDED BY AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
Australia is committed to supporting the delivery of essential health services across rural and remote areas of Papua New Guinea.
As part of this commitment, we are providing PGK10 million to support critical upgrades and maintenance to the MV YWAM PNG, a medical ship which brings specialist teams to remote communities. This contribution supports both community development and strengthens local health measures and capacity.
YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG has been a strategic partner of the National Department of Health (NDOH) since 2010, working to strengthen existing health service delivery. The MV YWAM PNG was acquired in 2014, with significant local contributions, and has since become a successful platform for rural outreach.
YWAM partners with Provincial Health Authorities to deliver routine childhood immunisations, health education, and family planning, HIV, TB and gender-based violence services. In 2024, Australian Government funding ensured that almost 20,000 participants benefitted from YWAM- supported health education sessions, including the vaccination of 8,800 children.
For over a decade, the MV YWAM PNG has traversed PNG’s coastline from Port Moresby to Western Province, bringing medical care, supplies and treatment to those in hard-to-reach areas. Australia is proud to partner with YWAM and the Government of PNG to support essential maintenance and upgrades to the MV YWAM PNG for its future work.
Currently, MV YWAM PNG is primarily based out of Western Province, with volunteers serving on the ship from across the globe, including many Papua
New Guineans. The ship will travel to the Philippines later this week to begin necessary maintenance and will return to PNG and resume its important work in early October.
Quotes
Mr Charles Abel, YWAM MS Co-Patron
“This ship does more than deliver medical care – it serves as a platform to build local capacity, mentor emerging healthcare workers, and empower communities to take ownership of their health.”
“Ensuring its continued operation means thousands of mothers, children, and families receive not only life-saving services, but also hope for a healthier future.”
Foreign Minister Hon Justin Tkachenko MP
“We greatly appreciate what YWAM is doing. The medical staff, ship operators, and those who volunteer their time and effort to help save lives. YWAM is an important asset in looking after the people of Papua New Guinea, in the rural areas.”
“With the Australian Government’s support, working in partnership with Papua New Guinea, we will continue to the support the good work that YWAM is doing for the benefit of our people.”
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Mr Ewen McDonald
“As PNG’s 50th Anniversary of Independence approaches, we are pleased to reiterate our commitment to working side by side with the National Department of Health and the PNG Government to deliver health services for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.”
MEDIA RELEASE PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed deep gratitude to Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Medical Ships PNG for its tremendous work in helping to address critical social needs, especially for rural Papua New Guinea.
In a significant show of support for rural health care delivery, the Government of Papua New Guinea today presented a cheque of K1.5 million to YWAM Medical Ships PNG during a ceremony held aboard the MV YWAM PNG in Port Moresby.
Representing Prime Minister Marape at the occasion was Minister for Foreign Affairs and Moresby South MP Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, who was joined by Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Henry Leia. Acting Health Secretary Mr. Ken Wai also joined the Government team on the occasion. The cheque was formally handed over to Co-Patron Mr. Charles Abel on behalf of YWAM Medical Ships PNG.
Prime Minister Marape commends YWAM’s tireless efforts to deliver health care to rural and remote communities across the nation.
“I am deeply moved by the tireless efforts of YWAM Medical Ships PNG. Their work brings light to some of the most remote corners of our country, where medical aid is otherwise difficult to access,” said PM Marape. “This partnership is not merely about funding—it’s about strengthening a shared purpose: to give every citizen, no matter how far from our cities, the dignity of good health and compassionate care.”
He acknowledges the vital contribution of YWAM Medical Ships in supporting the Government’s health agenda and lauded the passion of those who have driven the mission forward.
Also present at the ceremony was Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr. Ewen McDonald, who reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea in key sectors such as health. He emphasized the longstanding cooperation between the two nations and the shared goal of uplifting rural communities through collaborative service delivery, based on the motto: ‘Side by side, step by step’, as PNG celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary come September 16, 2025.
YWAM Medical Ships PNG has a strong reputation for reaching remote areas where access to health care is limited. Through its Medical Ship operations, the organisation delivers services ranging from immunization and dental care to maternal health and health education.
The organisation’s mission traces back to an inspiring journey of resilience and purpose. Founded by Ken and Robyn Mulligan in Townsville, Australia, YWAM has grown into a regional force of compassionate outreach, with its PNG branch becoming a lifeline for thousands.
Prime Minister Marape’s wife, Rachael Marape, also serves as a Co-Patron of YWAM Medical Ships PNG.
“To every doctor, volunteer, coordinator, and crew member—thank you for your courage and your compassion,” says Prime Minister Marape in his statement of appreciation. “Our Government stands beside you.”
The funding provided will support ongoing health patrols and medical outreach programs for YWAM Medical Ships PNG, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Papua New Guinean is left behind in accessing quality health care.
The visiting delegation was taken on a brief tour of the YWAM Medical Ship, prior to the official cheque presentation.
Photo caption: Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald with YWAM staff, GoPNG senior officials and Australian diplomats at the ceremony, left to right:
– Dr Ramez Alhazzaa, First Secretary, Health, Australian High Commission
– Ms Miriam Carter Carter, Health Counsellor, Australian High Commission
– Dr Sarah Dunn, YWAM MS
– HE Mr Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner
– Hon Justin Tkachenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, PNG
– Mr Charles Abel, YWAM MS PNG Co-Patron
– Mr Ken Wai, Acting Secretary for Health
– Mr Henry Leia, Deputy Chief of Staff, Prime Minister’s Office
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