Latest news with #AfricaMercy
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Woman Saved from Life-Threatening Neck Growth That Started as Sore Throat
A young woman whose sore throat became a life-threatening growth in her neck, leaving her struggling to breathe, has had it removed for free by surgeon volunteers from international charity Mercy Ships ( Harimalala from Mankara, on the east coast of Madagascar was just 12 when her throat started to feel uncomfortable and began to swell. 'I took medicines, but it kept growing even more. I even went to a traditional healer, but it kept growing,' she said. The large growth eventually became impossible to ignore. Ashamed of her appearance, Harimalala dropped out of school and wrapped a scarf around her neck to hide the mass. The swelling affected her physically, emotionally, and socially. 'I am unable to fetch water or carry heavy things. I can't bend down or run,' she shared before her surgery. Harimalala feared her condition was life-threatening but like approximately 93% of people in sub-Saharan Africa ( she was unable to access safe, affordable, and timely surgical care. Still unable to find any help at 24 years old, she heard about Mercy Ships from a neighbor — a charity that sends floating hospitals crewed by volunteer medical professionals to provide free surgery. She held onto the hope that they would return to Madagascar. When she heard it had, she traveled alone to the port of Toamasina in 2024 where the volunteers from the Africa Mercy® first met Harimalala. The medical team quickly realized her condition was critical and she could not return home until she had surgery. Dr. AJ Collins, who has led Mercy Ships' thyroid surgery program for 17 years, performed the operation. He described her condition as, 'A typical but massive multinodular goiter, which is the most common type of thyroid pathology worldwide.' 'It tends to compress the airway so breathing and talking and exercising become very difficult. It can make it hard to swallow your food. Those problems just become worse until they get to critical point, which I think for her, was close.' Additionally, Harimalala faced bigger challenges. 'I feel ashamed with people and don't dare go to church because people stare at me. People gossip, they talk – they say I have a big thing on my neck,' she said. She also feared the condition would rob her of the chance to build a future. 'I can't imagine what that's like… seeing all the young people around you get on with their lives and do things like getting married and having families or other things,' said Dr. Collins. 'She had a deep feeling that wasn't going to happen for her.' Her airway was so compromised that Mercy Ships staff raised concerns by email with Dr. Collins. Harimalala spent several months at the HOPE (Hospital OutPatient Extension Center, receiving care to reduce the size of the goiter before surgery could take place. After a complex four-hour procedure, Harimalala was finally freed from the 1.35-kilogram mass, which was almost two pounds in weight. After successful surgery, Harimalala reflected on her future. 'I really like necklaces, but I had goiter so I couldn't wear it but now I can,' she said, smiling broadly. 'I feel like I've entered a new life because the previous one, it was uncertain whether I would die or live. 'I can get married and have children now because the growth is gone,' she added. Learn how you can partner with Mercy Ships to provide hope and healing to people like Harimalala. Visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships International PR Manager About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy ® and the Global Mercy ™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Teen Burn Survivor Can Wear Shoes for First Time After Life-Changing Surgery
A 14-year-old boy can finally wear shoes for the first time in his life after safe surgery from international charity Mercy Ships ( corrected severe burn injuries that left his foot fused to his ankle. Tera is from a fishing village on the outskirts of Manakara in southeast Madagascar. He was just one year old when he accidentally tipped over a pot of boiling water — a common hazard in homes where food is traditionally cooked over open flames on the ground. Although Tera was too young to remember the accident, his parents told him what happened. 'My mom went to the washroom, and I was crawling and knocked [the pot] over. The hot water spilled all over me and that is how I got burned,' he shared. The boiling water left Tera with severe burns on his legs. With no means to pay for hospital care, his family sought out three traditional healers, each offering their own remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Tera's wounds eventually resolved without medical intervention, but the way it healed limited his movement and he had to walk barefoot for 13 years. South African Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tertius Venter has been volunteering with Mercy Ships for the last 24 years. He explained more about Tera's condition: 'The burn is often not all that deep, but it gets infected and then you get more destruction of the skin, and it just goes deeper. The only way that the body can heal it is by pulling the tissues together. So, he developed a contracture between his foot and his ankle, which limited the movement there.' Due to his injury, Tera could not take his favorite position as a goalkeeper on the soccer field with the children in his community. 'I like playing soccer, but they don't really like me. I see my friends playing and I want to play too,' he said. 'I made a plastic ball, but my friends still rejected me because I can't play, so I left, crying and feeling very sad.' His mother's inability to lift her son's burden weighed heavily on her mind. But when volunteers from Mercy Ships spoke to her about free surgery on board the Africa Mercy®, she did not think twice. She wrapped Tera's baby brother on her back and embarked on a two-day journey with her children to Toamasina. Australian Volunteer Ward Nurse Natasha Short spent three months on the Africa Mercy and saw a glaring difference in reconstructive plastics surgery compared to her home country, where 'we treat the burns early so they don't need as much surgery.' After 13 long years searching for healing, Tera finally went into surgery. A skilled team led by Dr. Venter freed the burn contracture on Tera's foot in just two hours. 'He should have a normal functioning ankle now, which means he will be able to play like any other child and play sport, especially soccer, and he can wear a normal shoe,' Dr. Venter said. Following the surgery, Tera's life was transformed. He got to wear his favorite 'number one' jersey as a goalkeeper on the soccer field, the position he always wanted to play. 'Before, I was not able to wear [shoes], I was barefoot in the streets even though it was so hot. Since being back from Mercy Ships, I have been able to wear [shoes]' he said cheerfully. 'I am happy because my friends do not make fun of me anymore. We all play together now. The things that my friends can do, I'm also able to do them.' After the surgery, his father is confident he can now teach him to fish. 'We go fishing today and I put him in the front of the canoe and tomorrow we do the same thing, and the third or fourth day, he can go alone already. He is a fast learner,' Tera's father said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships International PR Manager About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy ® and the Global Mercy ™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Young Girl Receives Life-Changing Surgery from Charity Restoring Movement After Severe Burns
A nine-year-old girl can now reach for the stars after life-changing surgery from international charity Mercy Ships ( restored movement to her arms, years after severe burns at age two left them fused in place. For Annica, from the Amparafaravola District of Madagascar, everyday tasks like getting dressed, raising her hand in class, or brushing her hair had become constant sources of frustration. As a toddler, she suffered significant second-degree burns on her arms while exploring her aunt's street-side restaurant, where the adults were making and selling food. 'She ended up sitting on the pot's lid – it was a big cooking pot,' recalled her mother, Felicia. 'The lid slid, and she fell into the pot. I cried every morning when I looked at her. I thought my child would not survive this." The accident left her back, torso, and arms burned, and recovery was fraught with challenges. Annica's initial treatment was disrupted when her nurse was transferred out of town. A visit to a traditional healer made her condition worse, and a subsequent infection formed. Her parents then sought help in the district capital, where a missionary nurse treated her for eight months. By the time she healed at age three, contractures had formed, severely limiting her arm movement. As Annica grew, she relied on her mother to perform simple daily tasks like putting on a dress or fetching water. At school, she struggled to do things other children could easily, like run, play basketball or write on the board. Annica's teacher Charles shared how this affected her: 'She was a bit reserved among her friends and it created an inferiority complex. She didn't have the courage to do anything.' With five other children, her parents grew increasingly anxious about her future and even considered taking out a loan for surgery. 'Because we couldn't afford it, we thought about asking for financial support from people,' said Tojoniaina, Annica's father. Then, they heard of a neighbor who had received free surgery from Mercy Ships in 2015. When the Africa Mercy®, returned to Madagascar in 2024, Annica boarded the hospital ship for free reconstructive surgery. Annica's surgery was complex: surgeons performed skin grafts to restore mobility in her arms and ensure the burn contracture would not recur. 'With her initial injury, the burn areas got infected and some of the skin died. We had to bring some new skin from other parts of her body to cover what she'd lost,' explained Dr. Venter, South African reconstructive surgeon volunteer. 'So, she has enough skin not to be pulled back into the old deformity again.' For six weeks after her surgery, Annica's arms were in splints, and she wore pressure garments to aid in remodeling her scars. She continued with rehabilitation, working with American physical therapist volunteer, Kaylee Earll. 'She was very determined to do everything herself, so she wouldn't take any help from her grandma,' said Kaylee, witnessing Annica already embracing her newfound independence. 'When you can't really run because your arms are stuck to your side, and then suddenly you can, you feel free.' Before leaving the hospital, Annica received word from home that she had passed her final school exams. This meant that she could attend her final year of primary school and begin secondary school the following year. Annica's return home and transformation were celebrated over a family dinner. 'She combs her hair, and she is able to take off her clothes… now, she can play basketball!' her grandmother said. Annica's father marveled at the change. 'I thought she was never going to be able to do those things,' he said. 'I'm very happy because I feel like she's never gotten burned.' Annica, who aspires to be a teacher, is well aware of her newfound capabilities as she prepares for the next school year. 'I am happy because I can reach high,' she said. 'I want to write on the top of the board and clean the top of the board.' 'She will be more confident because she no longer has problems with her arms,' said her teacher. 'We can support her to reach her goals. She can also do her best to reach her goals because she doesn't have any obstacles now.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships International PR Manager ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy ® and the Global Mercy ™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A nonprofit is turning old cruise ships into floating hospitals — complete with operating rooms, pools, and family cabins
Nonprofit Mercy Ships converts cruise ships into floating hospitals. Its first ship was an Italian cruiseliner, while another was previously a train ferry. Its newest ship, Global Mercy, was built for the nonprofit — a $200 million project. Not all cruise ships are created equal. Instead of vacationers, some accommodate Olympic surfers, refugees, or, as is the case of Mercy Ships' two vessels, folks in need of surgery. Since 1978, Christian nonprofit Mercy Ships has operated a fleet of cruise ships turned floating hospitals, providing complimentary medical services to the countries they visit. Onboard, reminders of the vessels' past life, like pools and hair salons, remain in place. Instead of waterslides and theater shows, the ships now have schools, operating rooms, CT scanners, and ICU beds. Mercy Ships has operated 5 vessels in its 47 years. The first was a converted Italian cruise liner. The decision to use floating resorts was based on a simple fact: 40% of the world's population lives on a coastline. "Coastal, rural cities have high medical deserts because they face extreme isolation and lack of infrastructure," Kerry Peterson, the senior vice president of Mercy Ship's US office, told Business Insider in an email. The nonprofit provides its patients with dental care and seven surgery specialties, such as pediatric and women's health — all for free. Food, lodging, anesthesia, post-operation rehabilitation, and transportation are also complimentary, even if more than one operation is required. In addition, the ships also offer specialized postgraduate training to locals through partnered residencies, fellowships, and rotations. Mercy Ships currently has 2 vessels, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy. According to Peterson, the nonprofit provided 4,746 surgeries and 13,312 dental procedures and trained more than 900 healthcare workers in 2024. Both ships exclusively operate in African nations. Like any typical cruise liner, Africa and Global Mercy have an auditorium, pool, library, café, and store. But instead of operating as vacations at sea, the two ships are more "akin to floating cities," Peterson said, noting there are onboard mechanical and carpentry shops, post office, bank, gym, salon, and laundromat. The nonprofit received a donation in early 2024 to fund the construction of a new vessel. Its first ship, Africa Mercy, was previously a train ferry before finding a second life. Mercy Ships acquired the Danish vessel, then known as Dronning Ingrid, in 1999. Following a $62 million refurbishment, it was re-deployed as Africa Mercy in 2007. According to the nonprofit, as of June 2024, the floating hospital had performed more than 70,910 surgeries in countries such as Liberia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Cameroon. The 12,917-square-foot deck that once accommodated trains now serves as the hospital. The space includes a pharmacy, a radiology lab, five operating rooms, 75 acute care beds, and five ICU beds. In addition to patient beds, Africa Mercy also has 159 cabins for 470 crew, although it sees about 1,000 volunteers — from surgeons to plumbers to housekeepers — throughout the year. Accommodation options include dorm-style cabins and rooms for couples and families. The second ship, Global Mercy, was built for the nonprofit. Mercy Ships began construction on its newest addition, Global Mercy, in 2015 — a $200 million investment, including the cost of equipment and the first patients. The nonprofit touts the 571-foot-long vessel, launched in 2022, as the largest civilian hospital vessel in the world. Larger than its predecessor, Global Mercy has 75,347 square feet of hospital space, including 102 acute care and seven ICU beds — in addition to a simulation lab for its training program. It provides surgical care to about 1,500 patients annually, having so far served patients in Senegal, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. Global Mercy has 277 staterooms that can accommodate 640 crew. Its solo, double, couple, family, guest, and VIP cabins see about 1,500 volunteers annually. Peterson said Mercy Ships encourages its volunteers to explore the countries during their free time, whether grabbing dinner in town or staying overnight onshore — harkening back to the perks of a traditional cruise line. Read the original article on Business Insider
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Teenager Receives First Life-Changing Surgery as Hospital Ship Launches New Phase in Madagascar
A 16-year-old girl is now free from a growing tumor on her neck after becoming the first patient to undergo surgery with international charity Mercy Ships ( in Madagascar in 2025. Rosalinda, from Mananara in northern Madagascar, received free surgery on Monday, March 10th on board the Africa Mercy® hospital ship. The procedure removed a submandibular gland mass that could have become cancerous if left untreated. Her surgery marks the first of up to 1,700 life-changing surgeries planned during the next ten months. The aspiring tailor was just 10 years old when she lost her mother. At 13, she noticed a small lump forming on her neck. She left school to help her father with their small clothing business, but the tumor continued to grow, becoming impossible to hide. 'It's a disease and I don't like it,' Rosalinda admitted. 'In addition to that, it ruined my face,' she shared. With no affordable surgical options, she had no choice but to try and live with it. In 2024, tragedy struck again when her father also died. Now orphaned, Rosalinda went to live with her uncle and aunt in the port city of Toamasina unaware that the Africa Mercy was delivering free surgeries that could change her life. Her uncle sought treatment for a lipoma he had, and he encouraged her to do the same. 'I was a bit afraid when I heard about surgery, but I felt more comfortable after talking to my uncle about his journey with Mercy Ships,' Rosalinda reflected. As the Africa Mercy returned from maintenance in February 2025, Rosalinda attended a screening and was scheduled for surgery—becoming the first patient as the ship reopened for a new field service. Dr. Mark Shrime, an American maxillofacial head and neck surgeon, performed the three-hour procedure. 'These tumors, if they're left alone, will grow and grow,' said Dr. Shrime. 'They could start to become threatening to her airway or her ability to eat.' After the successful operation, he said: 'It was very smooth, the tumor came out without any complications at all.' Each surgery has the potential to create lasting change in the families and communities of Madagascar. This work is made possible with the help of the President of Madagascar, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance. Nathan Jansen, Managing Director of the Africa Mercy, said: 'We are so thankful for all of the work that has gone into preparing for the start of surgeries today on the Africa Mercy. From our volunteer crew and supporting staff around the world to our partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and the government of Madagascar, we are thrilled to begin our surgical schedule today. 'Our prayer is that together we will see over 1,700 surgeries performed with hundreds of hours of education and training of local medical professionals on board during our field service which will last through December. We are looking forward to sharing patient stories of how their surgeries have impacted them and their families in the coming weeks and months." Mercy Ships is an international NGO that operates state-of-the-art hospital ships, bringing free, safe surgeries to people in need. On board the Africa Mercy, volunteer professionals provide specialized care in General Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, and Pediatric Specialized General Surgery. The current field service in Madagascar was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, which facilitated patient selection from 12 locations across the country. Alongside surgical care, Mercy Ships plans to perform around 1,480 dental procedures and provide specialized medical training and education to support Madagascar's healthcare system. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships International PR Manager ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy ® and the Global Mercy ™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
