The Global Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship, is providing life-changing healthcare in West Africa with the support of volunteer medical experts, including Australians. Operated by Mercy Ships, the vessel delivers essential medical care and surgical interventions to vulnerable populations and is currently docked in Freetown, Sierra Leone, until June.
Operations on Board
Australian anaesthetist Dr. Phil Owen is among more than 20 Australians volunteering for Mercy Ships, a philanthropic organization that has provided medical care across the African continent for over a decade. The Global Mercy features six operating theatres, conducting multiple surgeries daily. Cases treated include severe goitres, cleft palates, bowed legs, and significant tumors, conditions that are rarely seen in more developed nations. These health challenges are often linked to factors such as inequality, malnutrition, iodine and vitamin D deficiencies, and untreated infections. Over 600 international volunteers from more than 40 countries contribute diverse skills, spanning medical, engineering, IT, and hospitality roles.
Patient Impact
- Amara's Story: Four-year-old Amara from a remote village received surgery for severe genu valgum, or knock knees. This condition made it difficult for him to play and led to social challenges. In Sierra Leone, access to such specialized pediatric care is extremely limited, offering Amara a unique opportunity for treatment.
- Sasa's Journey: Sasa, an estimated 50-year-old farmer, underwent surgery to remove a large goitre that had affected her neck for nearly two decades. Her case, like many others, was identified through remote registration points established by Mercy Ships in coordination with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health. Patients are selected for surgery based on medical need, regardless of religious affiliation.
Healthcare Disparities in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone faces critical healthcare shortages, with approximately one doctor and two nurses per 10,000 citizens. The country, with a population of nearly 9 million, has only one pediatric surgeon. This limited access is a legacy of historical injustices, a civil war that ended in 2002, and epidemics like the 2014 Ebola crisis. To address these systemic issues, Mercy Ships also focuses on training local healthcare workers, aiming to develop sustainable healthcare systems and reduce long-term reliance on foreign aid.
Volunteer Experiences
- Dr. Phil Owen: An experienced anaesthetist, Dr. Owen has volunteered with Mercy Ships since 2013 across multiple African countries. He finds the work profoundly meaningful despite the challenging medical cases and personal sacrifices, including his father's passing during a recent mission.
- Deb Duff: From Brisbane, Duff has served as a ward administrator for six years. She highlights the strong community bonds formed among volunteers, known as "Mercy Shippers," who live and work closely together. Duff emphasizes the personal growth and deep purpose found in her service, viewing the sacrifices as outweighed by the gains.
- Clara Chan: An Australian citizen and nurse, Chan has volunteered on both the Global Mercy and its sister ship, the Africa Mercy. She describes the transformative recovery of a young girl with a massive facial tumor, noting the patient's journey from withdrawn to joyful. Chan also participates in the ship's dive team, assisting with maintenance.
- Kate Hopper: A physiotherapist from North Queensland, Hopper leads the rehabilitation department. Her team helps patients regain mobility and confidence, particularly those who have faced social marginalization due to disabilities in communities where physical differences may be misunderstood. Hopper finds deep satisfaction in building long-term relationships with patients throughout their healing process and witnessing their physical recovery and restored dignity.
Conclusion
The sustained efforts of volunteers on hospital ships like the Global Mercy provide critical medical care and contribute to lasting change for individuals and communities in West Africa. Amara's successful surgery and subsequent ability to walk without difficulty and participate in childhood activities exemplify the life-altering impact of the care provided by Mercy Ships.