Moerk Water has recently begun a collaborative project working with Youth With a Mission’s medical ship in Townsville, the MV YWAM PNG, to reach communities along the rivers in Papua New Guinea.
A study released to mark World Water Day 2016 shows that with 60% of their population living without a safe water supply, PNG now has the poorest access to clean water in the world.
One of the largest challenges for aid agencies working there is the difficulty of reaching remote communities by land. The YWAM medical ship uses the rivers as their highway, bringing medical specialists, supplies, health services and support for rural health workers to these communities suffering through lack of such basic services. Patrol tenders are launched from the vessel to reach more inaccessible areas, bringing vital healthcare and training to some of the world’s most remote areas.
Our role is to contribute research on the river water that will assist YWAM to provide safe drinking water and improve the health of the PNG people.
Martin Brezger, Director of Moerk Water Solutions, Asia-Pacific, and our daughter Madeleine Brezger, who is on board the MV YWAM PNG on an internship for her Masters Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management at the University of Tel Aviv, Israel, will conduct the research along the rivers from 20th October until 6th November 2016 to determine the best water treatment strategy for the PNG people.
Moerk Water has already installed a solar-powered water treatment plant on board that is helping in this important work. Because 80% of all their diseases are water borne, we’re confident our research and equipment will bring better health as we collaborate with YWAM’s goals and commitment to the world’s poorest people.
Ken Mulligan (second from right), Managing Director of YWAM Medical Ships visited the German Ambassador Dr. Anna Prinz (centre) to discuss ways the German Embassy and YWAM can work together to bring aid to PNG.
The ship also has a dentistry clinic on board, an eye clinic, a laboratory and will soon also have an operating theatre. Have a look at this fascinating four-minute video to see more of the remarkable work being done and the look of joy on the faces of people having their sight restored, their children vaccinated and their dental problems corrected.
Working out of Townsville, Queensland, this project is staffed by volunteers who pay their own expenses.
We are excited to be part of this outstanding venture and are looking forward to our work in the field to help them bring their goals to reality.
