Yengisa is our most remote health center, located 20 minutes by MAF aircraft due north of Kompiam, or a 2-3 day walk for those fit enough to make the journey. Situated in the Wapi/Yengis LLG at roughly 3,000 feet above sea level, it is considerably hotter than Kompiam. The community speaks a mixture of Engan and Lembena, reflecting its position near the border regions.
The predominant illnesses seen in Yengisa include; malaria, typhoid fever, diarrheal diseases, and increasingly, tuberculosis. When fully functional, the health center provides space for 8-10 inpatients, obstetric care, and a busy outpatient service. Solar powered vaccination fridges support an established maternal and child health program. In previous years, surgical patrols were even conducted here, including procedures such as tubal ligations for women unable to reach Kompiam.
Between 2023 and 2024, a major tribal conflict severely damaged the health center and surrounding facilities. Solar systems were stolen, staff housing was destroyed, and services were disrupted. Two new staff houses supported by Rotary Coromandel Valley, had been built prior to the conflict, but these too suffered damage. MAF flights have now resumed, and once Community Health Worker (CHW) was deployed in April 2026. However, all telecommunication and VHF radio connections remain down, making communication extremely difficult; facility reports are currently sent only via MAF or by hiking 2-3 hours to reach cellular connectivity.
Yengisa has been re-included in our fortnightly MAF patrols, but significant work is required to re-establish reliable health services. The health center still needs full solar installation and a rebuilt water supply system but more urgently, major repairs to buildings and equipment are required. Substantial funding, time, and skilled labor will be needed to restore Yengisa to full functionality.
Two small aid posts, Yambaitok and Iropeno feed into Yengisa and remain important access points for the surrounding communities at this point in time.