A Facebook post is being highlighted for its role in saving the life of a heavily pregnant woman in a remote part of Papua New Guinea.
The woman was suffering complications after her baby died during labour.
She needed advanced medical assistance beyond the capabilities of a local aid post but was unable to make the eight-hour walk to the district health services.
Father Martin We-en, a priest working in the diocese of Aitape, posted a message to Facebook appealing for assistance.
"A young mother is in labour now for four days now since Friday," he wrote.
"The baby has already died in the womb and the mother is very weak now.
"I need to get this mother out before she too dies."
Father We-en said his message was seen by people in the capital Port Moresby who forwarded it to the office of PNG's health minister.
"They ... contacted the provincial health authorities in Vanimo ... and they got a chopper in Wewak ... and it took her to Vanimo General Hospital," he told Pacific Beat.
"I was surprised and at the same time I was so very appreciative of those people who actually sent comments on Facebook and used their networks to distribute the post that I sent for help."
The woman is now recovering in Vanimo hospital, where her condition is stable.
Father We-en said he hoped others would be able to follow his lead in using social media to get vital messages out of remote areas.
"I believe social media is very vital in remote areas," he said.
"It would be very good if people could use Facebook and other social media like Twitter in this situation."
