For millions around the world, isolation is nothing new. There’s no road, no doctor and no 999.
But there is MAF, and a plane that can mean the difference between life and death.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) provides a lifeline to isolated communities Operating 135 light aircraft across 34 countries, MAF multiplies the effectiveness of around 2,000 partner organisations, opening doors to people and places that otherwise they would struggle to reach. Flying to more than 1,400 remote destinations our flights land on dirt, grass or mountain airstrips delivering:
•
Clean water and sanitation infrastructure projects
•
Economic and community development
•
Agricultural expertise
•
Bible translation teams and Christian resources
•
Medical supplies and equipment
•
Disaster relief
•
Medevacs
•
Evangelism, pastoral care and spiritual support
“Our partnership with MAF has allowed us to provide transformational change in a remote area in a record period of time. Without this, we would be unable to quickly and safely get our staff back and forth or move equipment for the health system to function.” Kate Oswald, Policy and Partnerships Director, Partners in Health Liberia
In deep need but out of reach
Thousands of dedicated aid agencies, missionaries and local churches work tirelessly, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, to help tackle the causes and effects of physical and spiritual poverty in the world’s poorest countries. However, there is a problem. Success is limited to those they can reach. Some of the most vulnerable communities are locked behind formidable geographical barriers – mountains, swamp, deserts or jungle. Almost impossible to reach over land, they are often forgotten, neglected. Their needs remain unknown, hidden. Access is denied. Other communities are cut off due to civil unrest or natural disasters. Out of reach of help, their isolation imposes exclusion.
“In much of South Sudan, we cannot do our work without MAF. Overland travel is just far too dangerous for our staff – there is a huge risk of attack – but even if there wasn’t it would take two-to-three days over knee-high potholed roads, impassable in the rainy season, to reach our projects. But, with an MAF flight taking just two-to-three hours, our staff and supplies arrive safely at our projects and are ready to start responding to the huge needs straight away.” Mesfin Loha, Country Programme Director, World Vision South Sudan
Overcoming barriers
For over 75 years MAF has provided a solution for the problem of poverty in isolation. Development in Papua New Guinea is hindered by formidable geographical barriers: rugged mountain ranges covered in dense jungle make road building impractical. Overland travel is by foot. Long and arduous, it often costs lives. In 2019, MAF ensured that through Aerial Health Patrols, remote communities had access to primary healthcare services. The teams we transport provide vaccinations, maternal healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes. More recently, through the coronavirus pandemic we have enabled respiratory triage clinics and hygiene information to assist in the prevention of the spread of infection. For a short period of time in early 2020 MAF were unable to operate our flights into the remote communities of Papua New Guinea. Once our aircraft were able to return to the skies, the impact of our ministry has became shockingly evident:
“Some communities met us with dancing and crying – so happy to have seen a plane land after more than two months without. At the same time, I've heard stories of schools which have run out of supplies, health clinics without medicines, and a woman has waited two months to see a doctor for needed post-birth healthcare.” MAF Pilot Glenys Watson
Keeping hope in the air
By mid-2020, Uganda’s remote and rural communities were struggling to cope with the surge of coronavirus cases. Additionally, they were being ravaged by devastating swarms of locusts that in a single day, were capable of consuming enough crops to feed 35,000 people. Hope was quickly fading as these overwhelming trials were added to by extreme levels of rain. Flash flooding left an already weakened population in desperate need. With 125,000 people struggling to survive and 30,000 forced to abandon their homes, 19 evacuation centres were quickly set up. Unfortunately, these camps were in dire need of basic supplies such as food, blankets, medicine and sanitation facilities. MAF were on hand to provide immediate response. Working with the Interreligious Council of Uganda, our flights were able to reach these emergency camps delivering eight tonnes of life saving supplies.
“Following a natural disaster, we need to get shelter and water experts to the field very quickly to make assessments. With MAF, that is possible.” Dave Mather, British Red Cross
Flying for Life
The challenge that hinders development for isolated impoverished communities is the same challenge that hinders the ability of those seeking to assist – access. MAF enables access. Every five minutes an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the developing world. Each flight brings help and hope to remote communities. Each plane carries solutions to address the needs where they occur; overcoming barriers so that men, women, and children can receive help that would not otherwise reach them. Founded in 1945, MAF remains committed to serving isolated communities. As a Christian charity MAF is motivated by compassion for the vulnerable and serves partner organisations and people regardless of their culture or beliefs. When possible, partners and passengers contribute towards the cost of their flight. The remaining costs are covered by gifts and donations from those who support our vital work. In a typical year with the help of our generous supporters MAF‌‌. Reaches over 1 million people with life transforming flights Delivers over 5,000 tonnes of aid and materials Flies 39,000 hours, multiplying the resources of the partners we fly, saving travel time and ensuring workers and their equipment arrive safely and ready to get straight to work For more information please contact: Simon Dunsmore, Partnership Manager, MAF-UK Tel: 01303 852818 Email: simon.dunsmore@maf-uk.org www.maf-uk.org