Christmas Appeal 2023

Baby Hajam’s first Christmas

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) are the world’s largest humanitarian air operator, who
provide an ‘air-ambulance’ service to some of the most isolated communities in the world.
This Christmas, they share a heart-warming story of hope and rescue and how can you can
save a life.

It was every expectant mother’s worst nightmare
The fever, the chills, the cramping. Eliazefa knew something was dangerously wrong with
her baby. The local clinic confirmed the worst. She had a life-threatening infection that
needed expert medical care unavailable on her home island of Atauro in Timor-Leste,
Southeast Asia.

As her husband Saloman looked on, he felt the anxiety rising. The nearest hospital in the
capital Dili was a three-hour boat ride away on choppy seas. Eliazefa would likely never
make it.

This nightmare is faced by thousands of families in the most remote regions on earth. Their
location denies them access to even basic healthcare that most of us don’t think twice
about.

But for Eliazefa, there was a glimmer of hope…
MAF provide the ONLY ‘air-ambulance’ medical emergency service for the government in
Timor-Leste. They were quick to mobilise and get the young family to hospital in just 15
minutes.

“I was frightened…but when I heard that an MAF plane will come, I felt like there was
hope.”
Eliazefa, Hajam’s mum

Eliazefa safely delivered a healthy baby boy named Hajam. The 15-minute flight saved their
lives.

After three days in the national hospital, MAF flew them home. They are very much looking
forward to their first Christmas as a family.

But there are many, many more babies and mothers who don’t survive
Living in isolated locations and denied access to urgent basic healthcare in a crisis. You can
help us reach them.

Your gift this Christmas can save a life – £45 enables a 20-minute ‘air-ambulance’ life-
saving flight – donate now