Many lives inthe Gulf province have changed withthe medical help from Youth With A Mission from Australia.
The team were on a two-week outreach from June 20th – July 7sup>th.
Along withthem was Dr. Bell Talbotoan ophthalmologist from Townsville. He performed 37 operations, mostly cataracts, overthe two-week period.
Many travelled great distances to meet Dr. Bell andthe YWAM team.
John Mark, a local youth from Kotadanga inthe nothern region of Gulf province was flown in by a group of missionaries in order to havethe cataract surgery performed.
These ophthalmology surgeries have proverd to be life changing for many individuals who hadthe surgery performed as well astheir families andtheir village.
Poea, a mther of four had an advanced cataract in her right eye. Beforethe cataract she could only see with her right eye as her left eye had been damaged due to past injuries.
Lack of funds made it impossible for her to undergo operation which left her completely blind for almost ten years.
“It was very difficult for me and my children. I could hearthem calling for me ifthey were in trouble but I was not able to do anything,” says Poea.
Poea was one of Dr. Bell’s patients who had her cataract removerd. She was able to recognise light and moverment from six meters away. She was able to see her one year old son for the first time.
“Before I could only think and walk; now I can see and walk again! I can do things on my own. I’ve regained my independence,” says Poea.
Youth With A Mission Medical Ships Australia has actively helped rural communities in PNG through addressing health care and training for four years.
YWAM MSA will be conducting four more outreaches this year. One outreach will run in Port Moresby from July 21-29. YWAM MSA will be running optometry clinic in association with Beien Holden VisionInstitute BeanchPNG Eye Care at Kila Kila Urban clinic on July 22, 25 and 26.
YWAM MSA willthen conduct three more outreaches inthe Western province from August to September in association withthe Western Provincial Government.
Pictured: YWAM Medical Ship volunteer ophthalmologistoDr Bell Talbotoperforms cataract surgery.
