​Kompiam Medical Patrol Team Reaches Remote Malaumanda Community

​Kompiam Medical Patrol Team Reaches Remote Malaumanda Community

Around 60 patients in the isolated Malaumanda region, located on the border of Enga and East Sepik provinces, received much-needed medical attention during a recent outreach by the Kompiam Hospital patrol team, according to a community health worker.

Community health worker Terence Baiang reported that many residents were treated for ailments such as coughs, body aches, and skin conditions during the team’s three-day visit. He explained that locals are usually informed a week in advance so they can prepare, including clearing the jungle airstrip for the aircraft landing.

Baiang described the emotional moment the team arrived, saying locals rushed in to greet them warmly despite the hardships they face daily. He added that he was moved by the villagers’ resilience and gratitude.

According to Baiang, although there is an aid post in Malaumanda, it lacks essential supplies and staff, prompting Kompiam Hospital to conduct regular visits to treat patients and assist local village health workers.

He further highlighted the challenges of accessing the area, noting that the aid post is separated from many homes by a fast-flowing river only crossable by rafts. Baiang said it takes about a week to walk to the nearest towns of Wabag or Wewak.

The lack of communication infrastructure has also compounded the community’s isolation, as Baiang pointed out that villagers often hike for hours to find mobile signal at the top of a mountain. He said the people expressed deep appreciation to both the patrol team and Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) for making the visit possible.

The patrol team included a health extension officer, nurse, dentist, pastor, and Baiang himself as the community health worker.

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