In the remote, mountainous community of Sikoi, located in the South Waghi District of Papua New Guinea’s Jiwaka Province, it was a mother’s love and a newly reopened airstrip that brought hope to a dire situation.
Story by Aquila Matit
“She’s been short of breath for three days,” says Ani Aipe, holding Iprio, her critically ill daughter.
They stand next to an MAF aeroplane that is about to depart on their medevac flight.
“Her skin has turned yellow, she’s lost weight and stopped eating much, and she hasn’t been able to sleep at night,” she says.
Ani and Iprio, who was diagnosed with asthma, were the first medevac passengers to be flown by Mission Aviation Fellowship from Sikoi to the nearest hospital in Mount Hagen for medical treatment.
Ani and Iprio were in Sikoi for a purpose.
“My husband and I were awarded a contract to build a high school in our home community,” said Ani, a mother of four. “He’s in Hagen sorting things out, so I’ve come to cook for the construction workers, and brought our daughter with me.”
The pair had arrived by plane two weeks earlier, but their stay took a frightening turn when Ani’s daughter fell ill.
Health worker Joe Oba did everything he could, but the situation demanded urgent action.
“I had to refer her, it was an emergency – that was all I could do,” Joe said.
Situated amongst rugged terrain with no road access, Sikoi is isolated from towns and hospitals.
“It would take three days’ walk to reach a road, plus an extra day for stops along the way,” Ani said.
By plane, the journey takes just 19 minutes.
When MAF’s operations team heard about the need for the medevac, they made a swift response.
“Yesterday, the health worker called, and MAF said they would help. I was so happy,” Ani said. “I didn’t sleep last night because I was worried that the plane wouldn’t make it. When I saw it land, I was filled with joy, knowing that my child would survive.”
The MAF plane, piloted by Bridget Ingham, landed on the newly reopened airstrip. Jack Balai, a local leader, is familiar with MAF’s work and its flights to Sikoi.
I didn’t sleep last night because I was worried that the plane wouldn’t make it. When I saw it land, I was filled with joy, knowing that my child would survive
“We started building the airstrip in 1997 and officially opened it in 2024.
“During this construction time, I saw a lot of mothers, a lot of fathers, and a lot of brothers and sisters die and we buried them. About 35 people died,” said Jack.
“MAF flew here 15 times before the airstrip was closed for upgrading,” he said, speaking of the soft surface issues that forced MAF to suspend operations to Sikoi to allow strengthening work to be carried out.
“We worked on the airstrip, it was inspected, and now it’s operational again. This is MAF’s third flight here since the airstrip reopened,” added Jack.
Sikoi’s health centre is still in its early stages and relies on dedicated workers. Joe is the community’s first health worker and was assigned by the Jiwaka District Manager.
“Without a proper health centre, we made our needs known, and they sent us Joe. Ani and her daughter are the first patients to be flown out of Sikoi,” Jack said.
Before take-off, pilot Bridget carefully assessed Iprio’s condition.
“At high altitudes, there’s less oxygen. For safety reasons, I’ve decided to fly closer to the ground,” she said. “Once we’re airborne, I’ll radio the MAF base in Hagen to coordinate with the ambulance.”
As Ani sat in the plane before take-off, she smiled and expressed her gratitude.
“I’m so grateful that MAF helped my daughter and me with the first medevac from Sikoi. I know they will continue to support people in our community who are unwell.”
