YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG hosted a gathering aboard the MV YWAM PNG before setting sail to Western Province, bringing together leaders, health workers, supporters and community members.
The event celebrated the completion of Phase One of the vessel’s Life Extension Project, a critical investment that will keep the MV YWAM PNG operational and serving communities for the next decade. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge the shared effort behind this work, including the support of the Australian Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea, the recently formalised collaboration with PNG Sustainable Development Program, and many others.
At the heart of the evening was a simple message: lasting impact is achieved through collaboration and partnership, building on solid foundations to bring hope to communities and to shape a stronger Papua New Guinea.
Chief Mate Aisolie Omal shares insights into maritime operations with Hon Sasindran Muthuvel (Governor for West New Britain), Hon Elias Kapavore (Minister for Health), and Mr Pascoe Kase (Secretary for Health).
After operating extensively along PNG’s coastline over many years, the MV YWAM PNG sailed out again this weekend to Western Province, continuing to collaboratively deliver essential healthcare services and training to remote and underserved communities.
A registered health facility in PNG, the MV YWAM PNG plays a unique role in reaching areas where access to healthcare is limited. Recent outreaches highlight this impact. In one case, a young girl with significant mobility challenges received a specialised wheelchair, allowing her to sit upright independently for the first time. Volunteer medical teams also supported her family with clinical techniques to strengthen her muscles and develop essential feeding skills, easing a burden carried for years.
Dr Miriam Boga, CEO of the Western Provincial Health Authority, said stories like this underscore the importance of partnership. “Access and empowerment are so important,” Dr Boga said. “On behalf of WPHA, we appreciate the services provided by YWAM Medical Ships in supporting holistic patient care.”
Dr Miriam Boga, CEO of Western Provincial Health Authority, shares about the collaboration with YWAM Medical Ships in the province.
As the MV YWAM PNG is currently deployed, the focus remains on supporting communities, strengthening local capacity, and contributing to a national vision where every community is connected, equipped and able to access essential healthcare services.
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.