Health Screening Ship to Remote Islands in Palau

On October 1, Palauans gathered to welcome the new Kensing II health ship. This larger, better-equipped ship replaces our previous one in its mission to bring healthcare to residents of Palau’s most remote islands. Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. cut the ribbon alongside the Peace Winds Japan CEO Kensuke Onishi and other leaders at an unveiling ceremony in Koror last month.

The new Kensing ship, previously known as the Toyoshima Maru, has a past life in disaster response. It was the first to arrive at Japan’s Noto Peninsula with life-saving supplies and personnel following the devastating New Year’s Day earthquake. The ship will now go on to provide fundamental health care by making regular trips to the Southwest Islands, which are located more than 370 miles away from the country’s only national hospital in Koror. 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension have been on the rise in Palau in recent years, and with a shortage of medical facilities and healthcare workers, these diseases often go undiagnosed and untreated. The Kensing II is equipped with supplies to conduct basic checks for things like height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as more in-depth testing such as urine and blood tests, EKGs, and ultrasounds. It will allow Peace Winds’ doctors and nurses to visit residents of Palau’s remote Southwest Islands every several months. 

Without the help of the Kensing program, many Palauans in such remote areas do not receive regular health checks. The health clinics on these islands are typically unstaffed and under-resourced. Islanders who get sick are treated with basic medicines–which are often expired–or traditional medicines such as native plants. Anyone who is seriously ill must wait to make the day-long journey to the hospital in Koror by requesting a special boat.

Peace Winds is looking forward to making healthcare accessible for more Palauans thanks to the Kensing II! To stay updated on our work in Palau and find new healthy recipes, follow Peace Winds Palau on Facebook. We appreciate your continued support.