Australia provides K10m towards MV YWAM PNG-medical ship’s critical upgrades and maintenance

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, they are providing PGK10 million to support critical upgrades and maintenance to the MV YWAM [Youth With A Mission] PNG, a medical ship which brings specialist teams to remote communities.

This contribution supports both community development and strengthens local health measures and capacity.

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald said: "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.”

Australia & PNG has been a strategic partner of the National Department of Health [NDOH] in this exercise 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 immunizations, 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.

Co-Patron of YAWN MS Charles Abel said: "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.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hon Justin Tkachenko MP has greatly appreciated 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.”

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.