Cessna Caravan ‘P2-AFD’ transported 2.4 tonnes of building materials to Yambaitok, an isolated community in Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province. The delivery will support the construction of a new ‘aid post’, enabling residents to access basic healthcare.
Story by Michelle Dauth
“I think inside the Kompiam district, where our health services are located, we heavily depend on MAF,” said Pastor Jackson Minao, Chaplain at the Kompiam District Hospital. “If MAF doesn’t operate, then I think that there is no other option in terms of building hospitals, referring patients to and from, or sending staff to where the communities are.”
Pastor Jackson explained that the existing aid post (basic healthcare facility) in Yambaitok was established several years ago. It is now in poor condition and no longer suitable for delivering proper healthcare. Hence, more durable materials were flown in for the new structure.
“This time, we’re not using timber,” he said. “Many timber buildings have collapsed, so we’re opting for steel to ensure the new aid post lasts longer. That’s why we’re flying in these materials.”
In Yambaitok, and all the other aid posts we run, there are no road connections to the hospital. We solely depend on MAF for everything.
The project in Yambaitok is one of several aid post initiatives spearheaded by Kompiam District Hospital, a ministry of the Baptist Union in PNG. The aid posts are aimed at providing essential healthcare services to remote and underserved communities. These areas often face significant challenges making access to healthcare difficult.
MAF, therefore, has played an indispensable role in making this happen. Without MAF’s involvement, delivering timely healthcare to these remote locations would be nearly impossible.
“In Yambaitok, and all the other aid posts we run, there are no road connections to the hospital,” Pastor Jackson added. “We solely depend on MAF for everything.”
He further emphasised on the significance of MAF in their lives.
“MAF has been incredibly helpful in many ways. Transporting goods, spiritual ministry, and regular community travel. Since we have no road access to this area, we rely heavily on MAF,” he said.
Although immensely scenic, Papua New Guinea’s landscape is not the easiest to navigate, especially when the only option other than flying is a day-long trek. That’s where MAF comes in, helping to link people in isolated communities with essential care.
