After nearly a decade of silence, the possibility of reviving basic healthcare services in the remote station of Kabore in Sandaun Province has been rekindled, following a significant visit by the Sepik Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Health Services team.
The journey began on Sunday, April 6, when a delegation from the Sepik Mission departed from Wewak and embarked on a gruelling six-hour drive to Lumi Station. The team, led by Mr. Daiven Watio, Health Director of the Sepik Mission, and Pastor Michael Lus, Director of the Sepik School of Pastoral Ministry (SSPM), spent the night in Lumi before pushing further into the rugged terrain of inland Sandaun.
On Monday morning, the team departed from a logging base camp and trekked for hours across challenging terrain, finally arriving in Wisol village by 3:00pm. There they were welcomed by villagers, including Chief James Taru and local missionary Philip Wewe, who has been voluntarily serving in the area.
A small gathering was held that evening at the village hausman, where community leaders expressed their deep concerns over the prolonged closure of their nearest clinic at Kabore Station. The clinic has been non-operational for almost ten years following the passing of its last health worker. Villagers now have to walk a full day to reach the nearest functioning health centre—an ordeal that has led to preventable deaths and ongoing health issues.
“The need is real, and the burden is heavy,” said Mr. Watio, after listening to the villagers’ pleas. He outlined the necessary procedures and protocols required for the reopening of the clinic and encouraged the community to work closely with missionary Wewe, who will serve as the liaison between the village and the health department.
“This visit marks the first time since 2016 that a service provider has reached this community,” he added. “It is our mission to ensure no one is left behind—whether in the urban centres or the remotest corners of our region.”
After spending the night in Wisol, the team commenced the arduous return journey on Tuesday morning. With the assistance of local villagers, who carried their gear, they made the four-hour descent back to the base camp and then continued by vehicle to Wewak.
The visit has brought a renewed sense of hope to the villagers of Kapore, whose smiles and prayers showed deep gratitude for the visit. It also marks a significant step forward in reconnecting neglected communities to essential health services.
The Sepik Mission Health Services team says they are committed to supporting the people of Kabore in their efforts to restore the clinic and will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable health care solutions are explored and delivered.
The successful outreach to Kapore sends a clear message: the work of healing and restoration knows no boundaries. Guided by faith and a purpose-driven mission, the Sepik Mission continues reaching the unreached – leave no one behind.
