The Morobe Provincial Government and YWAM Medical Ships have reaffirmed their partnership by renewing their Memorandum of Understanding for a further five years.
Morobe Provincial Government, provincial and district health authorities and YWAM MS have been working together for the past four years with the aim of strengthening healthcare and training delivery in some of the province’s most remote areas.
Governor for Morobe Province, Ginson Saonu said that the partnership between YWAM Medical Ships and the Morobe Provincial administration is helping to strengthen the province’s health system.
“Over the past four years, teams have progressively been deployed with our health workers for collaborative patrols to inland and coastal communities across Huon Gulf, Tewae-Siassi, Finschhafen, Nawaeb, Kabwum, and Bulolo Districts.”
“Much has been achieved together, both in terms of direct patient care, and strengthening the rural workforce and facilities. Solar kits for rural health centers have been provided in some locations, as well as the delivery of medication and immunizations.”
“We see this as a very productive partnership that I’m proud to see continuing,” said Governor Saonu.
YWAM Medical Ships has been deploying the YWAM Training and Medical ship, MV YWAM PNG, and land-based teams to remote areas of Morobe Province since 2015.
In collaboration with Morobe’s provincial and district health teams, thousands of patients have received healthcare and training with preventive maternal-child health care as a major focus alongside optical and oral health care.
YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Mr. Ken Mulligan, said their partnership with the Morobe Provincial Government is continuing to grow in strength, as they maximize their collective workforce and resources.
“In many ways, we have only just begun this important partnership. Morobe is the most populated province in PNG with over 2,500 remote villages.
“Governor Saonu and his administration are showing proactive leadership in helping to find solutions to the extreme isolation that many of these villages face. We are pleased to play our part in this collaborative partnership, and look forward to many great outcomes together,” said Mr. Mulligan.
The MV YWAM PNG is currently serving in villages in Kairuku-Hiri district in collaboration with Central Provincial health authorities.
