The statistics are staggering. In the Pacific region, PNG has the highest rate of HIV; it is estimated that by 2015, one in six will be infected. There are approximately 32 dentists in the whole country. In some rural areas, one in seven women will die during childbirth.
How can a few young people help a nation with so much need? YWAM Australia has been given an opportunity to make a difference. Last year, Marine Reach New Zealand felt that they were to give one of their medical ships, the MV Pacific Link, to their neighbours, YWAM Australia. The Pacific Link, equipped with an operating theatre on board, is part of YWAM's Marine Reach ministry that has been serving the Pacific Region since 1991, offering health services to remote island communities where medical help would not have otherwise been accessible.
On February 17th, the YWAM Medical Ship arrived in Newcastle, Australia for the beginning of the Australia and PNG Medical Ship tour. The vessel sailed across the Pacific from New Zealand to tell young Australians about how they can be a part of helping Papua New Guinea later this year.
YWAM's Medical Ship will be travelling to 16 ports on the Australia coast before heading to PNG. Its purpose is to educate young Australians about the needs of PNG, while giving them practical ways to help. One of the many ways young Australians can help is by collecting eyeglasses and toothbrushes that the ship will then take to villages without access to these seemingly simple supplies.
Not only can people donate, but there is the opportunity to go. Though the statistics in PNG are harsh, young Australians also face challenges. One in four Australian teenagers will suffer from depression. Many will even attempt to take their own life. Just as much as PNG needs health care, young Australians need a reason to live life to the fullest. YWAM Australia believes that providing opportunities to help others is one way to help bring life to many.
Since its arrival in Australia, the YWAM Medical Ship has made a considerable impact on the communities of Newcastle, Sydney and Ulladulla. In Newcastle, 1400 people toured the ship and over 2500 students were given the opportunity to help through school programs led by hip hop dancers, bands and island dancers. A local radio station even made the vessel their home for a week as they broadcasted live from the medical clinic on board!
The ship docked free of charge at Darling Habour in Sydney, one of Australia's most stunning landmarks. Crew members had a spectacular view of the harbour, while passersby could not miss the big, white medical ship at the wharf! Tours, a PNG Awareness Marquee and live performances entertained the public right on the wharf.
Read more: http://ywam.org/News-Stories/news/Hope-and-Health-Care-on-Australia-Ship-Tour