A man from a remote coastal community within the South Fly District of Western Province was suspected to have tuberculosis (TB). Sadly he had been reluctant to attend clinic due to cultural beliefs about the cause of his illness.
A local TB treatment support worker had made multiple attempts to encourage the man to provide a sputum sample for testing, recognising that TB is treatable. However, the man declined time after time.
When a joint outreach team from the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) and YWAM Medical Ships visited the community, the support worker requested assistance to reach him. A small group walked over 30 minutes to his home, where they were warmly received.
During the visit, the man shared that he had been experiencing a persistent cough, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Engaging in a respectful dialogue, the team and TB support worker again explained the importance of testing and the availability of effective treatment. After deep consideration, the man agreed to provide a sputum sample and walked with the team to the clinic for further assessment. His test results confirmed TB.
The following day, a World Vision officer aboard the MV YWAM PNG returned to the community to provide the diagnosis, deliver health education, and commence treatment alongside the community-based TB treatment support worker. This outcome reflects the importance of trusted relationships, culturally sensitive engagement, and collaboration between communities, the local health system and partner organisations in improving access to essential healthcare services.
World Vision TB Support Workers, collaborating with YWAM Medical Ships.
With support from the Australian Government, and in collaboration with WPHA and PNG Sustainable Development Program, in February YWAM MS engaged in 35 locations over 15 clinic days in the South Fly District. More than 1,330 primary health care patients were seen, including 411 children receiving immunisations, and 50 mobile TB tests were conducted in remote locations.
YWAM MS is proudly supported by the PNG National Government, the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, PNG Sustainable Development Program, Western Provincial Health Authority, Kumul Minerals, Henry Schein, NCDC, Hiri Koiari Open Electorate, ExxonMobil PNG, PNG Ports Corporation, Parkside Group, Port of Townsville, Ok Tedi Mining, Colgate-Palmolive, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Mitsubishi Electric, Days for Girls, Pro-Ma Systems, Pacific Islands International, Rotarians Against Malaria, AVIS, Coutts Redington, Mun, Pacific Marine Group, Medical Dental Solutions, 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, Austal, FileMaker, and Pacific Towing.