Aidocean delivers healthcare in NIP

COVER STORY

By JESHER TILTO
FRANCE and Papua New Guinea (PNG) may seem like two countries located in separate parts of the globe but there is a strong tie that binds them together.
In 1768, French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811) landed in what is now PNG during his circumnavigation of the world.
The main island of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is named after him.
Fast forward to recent years, the bilateral relations between France and PNG have strengthened significantly.
President Emmanuel Macron’s historic visit to the country in July was a crucial turning point in relations between the two countries and generated even more cooperation.
Moreover, there has been a small group of French volunteers doing some good work for the last two years in the country.

Aidocean
Aidocean is a non-profit organisation established in New Caledonia by founder, Marine Bayer. It was created to help the disadvantaged and underprivileged people (especially children) of the Pacific region and Ukraine.
In September-October of 2022, the first vaccination expedition was conducted in Papua New Guinea. Between 2022 and 2023, several convoys to Ukraine were organised and returned with refugees.
A new humanitarian mission in PNG began in October this year, following the first mission around the same time last year. The mission was focused on child vaccination on the remote islands of New Ireland Province (NIP), with the idea of reaching them by any means necessary.

About the founder
Marine Bayer was born on Nov 11, 1974, and was raised in Brittany, France’s northernmost region. She obtained her pilot license at 17 years old and then integrated into the French Army. She succeeded to become the first female plane fighter pilot, but the archaic hierarchy system did not allow for a woman at that time.
Not backing down, Bayer then chose to become a helicopter pilot in the French Navy. She had her first wings attached to her shoulders at only 21 years old.
She was involved in helping over 10,000 persons in Guatemala and Honduras in Central America who were affected by Hurricane Mitch, the second-deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record.
Adding onto her impressive repertoire of accomplishments, she also fought as the helicopter chief squadron in Operation Thalathine in Somalia. The operation was held during the act of piracy against Le Ponant, a three-masted cruising sailboat flying the French flag, in the Indian Ocean from April 4-11, 2008.
Somali pirates had attacked the vessel and held hostages on April 4, 2008. The hostages were released on April 11, 2008 following the payment of a ransom.
Some pirates were then apprehended in Somali territory during the French-mounted helicopter operation which also recovered part of the ransom. Bayer was awarded the French Legion of Honour for her role in the operation.
Considering the kind of career she had, she was still able to raise four children during her service.
Opting for a different role in life, Bayer left the army in 2009 to pursue studies to become a nurse.
For more than 10 years, she has been a nurse in various departments (emergency, palliative care, aged care, etc.) both in a team and as an independent.
Having gained much experience over the years, she decided to establish the non-governmental organisation, Aidocean.

2022 mission report
Aidocean’s mission in 2022 was aligned with the 2021-2030 Strategic Plan established by the American Red Cross, World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund to eradicate measles and rubella.
Aidocean provided routine immunisation campaigns in New Ireland for infants from 0-5 years old in need of vital vaccines, and hence prevent the resurgence of deadly epidemics.
The healthcare team was composed of two doctors, three nurses, a dentist, and his assistant.
Aidocean also distributed books for schools, glasses for the elderly people as well as little things like fishing gear and other items and kits for children.
During their arrival in Port Moresby, Aidocean president and founder Marine Bayer and navigator Sébastien Destremau had spent days in the Health Department offices before their contract was signed.
“It was not very easy because there are a lot of processes and bureaucracy to follow, but the important thing is that we can finally set sail and meet the children who need help,” Bayer said.
Issues also arose with the organisation’s 24-metre vessel, Golden Dawn, causing a delay in the planned programme for several days.
“In an attempt to catch up the time lost, Marine and I flew to New Ireland whilst the ship departed Port Moresby for the 1,000 nautical miles toward Kavieng. We reconnected with the Golden Dawn somewhere on the west coast of New Ireland and began the immunisation campaign,” Destremau said.
Supported by the French government via the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs as well as by the Government of New Caledonia, Aidocean visited 55 dispensaries on four islands in the New Ireland (Tanga, Babase, Lamassa and PukPuk). The organisation reported that in September-October last year, more than 7,650 children were vaccinated.
The humanitarian immunisation mission against infantile diseases was scheduled for 42 days.

2023 mission report
In November this year, the organisation carried out a similar mission to help the underprivileged people of New Ireland by vaccinating infants from 0-5 years old. A team of Papua New Guineans and French professionals, including an eye nurse, gynaecologist and dental practitioner, provide care to the less fortunate.
Its new programme this year included other areas of check-up like contraceptive implants, dental care, general and obstetric care and distribution of eye glasses.
Bayer said all logistics would be transported by boat to the outlying islands of New Ireland and then boxes carried to remote villages.
“We are working in partnership with the Government, Health Department, Port Moresby General Hospital with Prof Glen Mola, French embassy, French government and all local officials to improve health standards of the least fortunate,” she said.
Bayer said the Aidocean mission urged the people of New Ireland to work with the volunteers.

The routine immunisation included:

• PENTA (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B);
• M/R Measles and Rubella;
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV);
• Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV);
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV);
• BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) against tuberculosis; and
• Vitamin A

Evaluation
According to Aidocean’s evaluation of the mission, it was clear from the observations collected during the recent five-week tour that the local health situation was “alarming”.
“The Government anticipated that the number of immunisations to be administered would be 1,391. This figure proved to be incorrect because Aidocean administrated 7,650 vaccines throughout the mission, an increase of +550 per cent.
“Over the five weeks’ pilot mission, Aidocean administered five point five times more vaccines than anticipated by general medical consultations.
“Dental care: 82 people were checked, 32 extractions and 172 dental education including examination of children. Eye tests: 287 persons tested and 70 glasses distributed for the elderly, teachers and people in need. Schools: Nine schools visited and 90 books from Buk Bilong Pikinini handed out.
“What we need: Partners and sponsors to do the mission and we are hoping that you will want to accompany us on the Golden Dawn.”

Merci beaucoup
France, like many other countries, have become good partners with PNG. Be it in healthcare, security, business or any other sector, we all stand to help one another.
Our different languages, cultures and geographic locations may seem like a divide, but the true spirit of helping a fellow human being transcends all that.
Aidocean team’s selfless assistance in healthcare for our rural people is truly a gesture that will not be forgotten.
Access to basic services is always an issue due to a myriad of challenges and that is the reality many of our people are faced with each and every day.