When it takes days of walking between remote villages for medical care, MAF bridges the gap with a 10-minute flight. This is Swiss nurse Sara Schneidegger's story, joining a health patrol during her internship at Kompiam Hospital in Papua New Guinea.
Story by Sara Schneidegger
Pyarulama is located in a remote region that can only be reached from Kompiam after several days of trekking. It was thanks to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) that we were able to get there at all. We flew for about ten minutes over unspoilt countryside and dense forest until a short grass airstrip came into view. Here the remarkable skill of MAF was on display as pilot Bridget Ingham expertly landed the plane on the short, graded grass runway.
Without MAF, the patrol team would never have reached such a remote location. People would have been left without medical care, with unimaginable consequences.
The local people gave us a warm welcome and were clearly delighted to see us, if a little reserved at first. Our medical team said goodbye to the MAF pilot and got straight to work.
The patrol lasted four days. Word had spread that we were coming, so many people from the surrounding area came to get medical help. Some walked many hours over long distances and were grateful to find medicines, medical supplies or vaccinations for their babies and children.
Around 80% of the malaria tests were positive. Many came to us with high fevers. We were able to provide them with much-needed medication for the next seven to 14 days, saving many lives. We also shared knowledge about malaria prevention, hygiene and wound care.
Loni and her mother came to the clinic with several infected wounds on Loni's leg, probably from scratching mosquito bites, which had caused a serious infection. One wound was open and we could see several flies around it. Another wound was covered with a piece of cardboard. I had difficulty removing the cardboard because of the dried wound fluid. The last wound was covered with a leaf, which was also difficult to remove. I cleaned and dressed the wounds and Loni was given antibiotics and instructions on proper wound care before going home.
Esther came in feeling very weak, with a high fever and severe body aches. Her malaria test was also positive, indicating a mixed infection. She was treated for fever and started on malaria medication, with a 14-day supply and instructions for home care.
I was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people in this remote area. They rarely receive medical care and were incredibly grateful that our team came to them. Without MAF, the patrol team would never have reached such a remote location. People would have been left without medical care, with unimaginable consequences.
Without MAF, we would not have been able to transport critically ill patients to the nearest hospital. It was reassuring to know that we could always count on MAF's support, especially for emergency medical evacuations. Kompiam Hospital runs regular Health Medical Patrols to reach people in remote areas who would otherwise have no access to medical care, and Pyarulama is one of the seven airstrip communities visited once a quarter.
I realised the immense value of MAF's work to the people of Papua New Guinea and the vital contribution they make to saving lives.
