Rachael Marape rallies international donors to support life-saving medical ship

Rachael Marape, wife of Prime Minister James Marape, has issued a call to action for international partners and business leaders to maintain their support for a medical ship providing critical healthcare to Papua New Guinea’s most isolated regions.

Speaking as the Patron of YWAM Ships PNG at a fundraising event on the Gold Coast, Mrs Marape addressed a crowd of over 280 donors and business leaders. She said while the PNG Government is working to strengthen national health services, the ship remains a vital lifeline for maritime communities that are often beyond the reach of traditional hospitals.

“The Government is doing everything it can to strengthen health services for our people, but the challenges are vast, especially in remote coastal and island areas,” she said. “YWAM Ships has been doing its part to help ease the burden on the public health system, and for that we are deeply grateful.”

For over 10 years, YWAM Ships PNG has operated in the remote coastal and island regions of Milne Bay, Central, Gulf, and Western provinces. The program provides a wide range of free services, including primary health care and dental services, specialized eye care and surgical procedures, as well as health education and training for local medical workers.

The vessel is staffed by a blend of international volunteers including doctors, nurses, and dentists, working alongside Papua New Guinean health professionals. For many residents in these hard-to-reach areas, the ship is their only opportunity to receive specialist medical attention.

During her keynote address, she acknowledged the collaborative effort required to keep the mission afloat. Marape spoke highly of the role of international partners like Australia, recalling her own efforts in lobbying the Australian Government for operational support.

She also thanked the Papua New Guinea Government for its continued recognition of the program, which allows YWAM Ships to complement the public health system. Mrs Marape has served as the organization's Patron for the past two years, advocating for the public-private partnerships she believes are essential to improving health outcomes across the nation.