In Papua New Guinea, a lone health worker had a vision to bring life-saving knowledge to isolated communities beyond his local hospital. It’s now a reality through MAF’s health patrols, but Jacky still dreams to reach more people…
Story by Amanda Anton
For Jacky Lawa, a community health worker with Enga Baptist Health Services (EBHS), the fight against HIV isn’t just about medicine: it’s about reaching the isolated pockets of Papua New Guinea where there are no roads.
Jacky is a witness to MAF’s work in his own area.
“I have seen, not only as a health worker but also as a local, MAF is a lifeline for people in rural areas,” said Jacky.
“This is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. One day I’ll bring HIV awareness to these remote places together with MAF and EBHS through Kompiam Rural Hospital in sending health patrols to the faraway communities of Enga Province.”
MAF aircraft fly health workers, doctors and nursing staff to communities with no road access to bring health services to those who do not have options locally. It is through these ‘health patrols’ that Jacky was able to give wings to his passion to reach the people.
“I’ve been an HIV & tuberculosis officer at Kompiam hospital for four years,” Jacky added. “During these times, I have seen that people in remote areas like Yambaitok do not know much about this disease.
“Although some have heard about HIV, they need more knowledge about the virus.”
HIV awareness is important as it affects the body’s ability to heal from other diseases, putting people at risk of dying from diseases that under normal circumstances could be treated.
“I carry out this awareness to inform people that HIV is not a disease,” said Jacky. “But in fact, a nen (meaning ‘virus’ in the Engan language) that kills all white blood cells leaving the body vulnerable for diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, etc. to attack the body. I encourage them to see doctors if they see signs and symptoms of this deadly virus.”
Jacky has chosen to conduct his awareness together with the health patrol, as he sees an opportunity to reach many more people.
“During the health patrol, about 200 - 300 people travel by foot, day and night from neighbouring villages. They come from Elem, Yankisa and Iropena to Yambaitok to get health treatment. Yambaitok alone has a population of approximately 300, this brings people together into a much greater audience that receives awareness,” said Jacky.
Pastor Paul Waion walked from Elem with his daughter to seek medical treatment and see the impact of the health patrol. Originally from Laiagam, Paul spent two days walking, with one night sleeping in the bush along the way. He expressed that he is now more aware about HIV safety and precautions to avoid it.
“I have learned a lot about HIV through this awareness,” said Pastor Paul. “As a spiritual teacher, this is something I will teach my congregation.”
Although Jacky tries to make the most within the two-day patrol, his bigger dream is to bring awareness to villages beyond Yambaitok – but he is challenged by distance.
Jacky feels worried that a number of other nearby communities are missing out because their airstrips are currently closed due to tribal fighting or airstrip condition.
“If we had airstrips operating again in those areas, MAF could reach them in just 15 minutes making it easy for us and for the people as well.”