Kennedy Erinuka is the only health worker serving remote communities on the border of Markham and Yus in Morobe Province.
Since 2011, Kennedy has treated hundreds from a small aid post he built himself in Kikiapa Village. He serves people who walk for hours—some a whole day—for basic medical help.
He left the Lutheran Health Services in 2013 to work under public health. His aid post has no electricity, no staff, and limited supplies, yet he treats children, assists in births using a phone light, gives out medicine, and runs vaccine programs.
When outbreaks occur, Kennedy hikes to remote villages with medicine and stays for days to help. But drug shortages are constant.
“The supply I get each month is not enough,” he said. “I’ve raised the issue, but nothing changes.”
Vaccination rates are low, and many children remain at risk.
In 2018, Kennedy helped save a mother’s life by arranging a medevac through the Markham MP.
He works alone with no ambulance, no backup, and no support from the Yus Local Level Government (LLG). Despite this, he continues.
“I promised to serve my people,” he says. “Maybe one day, the right people will help.”
Kennedy hopes to upgrade his aid post to a proper Community Health Post with basic supplies, lighting, and a team.
Until then, he remains the only health worker for miles—keeping his doors open, day and night.