With its medical emergency flights – known as medevacs – MAF saves the lives of many individuals. These missions are often the only hope for patients in acute need. But the flight in this story powerfully demonstrates just how effective help from the air can be: just one takeoff, just one landing – and nearly a thousand people received medical care.
“The sheer number of people who turned up from across the region shows how great the need is in the community,” said Becki Dillingham. She was the MAF pilot who flew the medical team from the Pamoja Specialised Polyclinic to Malambo in just 35 minutes – a journey that would have taken eight hours by road.
Over the two days of the mobile clinic, the nine-member team treated almost a thousand patients, the majority of whom were suffering from ophthalmologic conditions, while dental and other medical needs were also addressed.
Among the medical professionals was Dr Dahee Park, an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist from South Korea, and Director at Pamoja Specialised Polyclinic.
He noted that during the outreach in Malambo, the team were deeply moved by the reality of life in a remote community where access to basic medical care and resources is extremely limited.
"Many people live with untreated medical conditions for long periods of time, not because of neglect, but because medical services are simply not accessible."
Simple interventions such as basic health education, eye protection, and early treatment could greatly improve their quality of life.
“Our mission is not only to treat diseases but also to bring comfort, hope, and dignity to every person God sends to us,” Dahee said. “Through this work, we aimed to respond to their needs and demonstrate care and compassion in practical ways,” the doctor said.
Dahee saw what was accomplished and praised their effective partnerships: partnering with MAF in enabling them to reach places that would be nearly impossible to otherwise access, and with Help for the Maasai in ensuring community organisation and connection.
Sara Frykowski, the Director of Help for the Maasai, talked about the importance of local partnerships.
“Our aim is to give the community equal access to spiritual, social and economic wellbeing. Since Malambo is remote with a lack of infrastructure, we are so thankful for the collaboration with MAF and with the Pamoja Specialised Polyclinic to help us reach that vision.”
Dahee said “Each group plays a vital role, like different parts of the body of Christ working together for His glory.”
STORY / ANNET NABBANJA PHOTOS / HELP FOR THE MAASAI
This story was originally published in "Flying for Life - Autumn 2026." To view the full issue, click here.