Africa Mercy, The Ship That Goes Through Africa Doing Free Surgeries

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Africa Mercy is the name of this ship that since 2007 has been traveling the African continent providing free medical services and performing complicated surgeries to people who need it.

More than 400 people from 40 different countries make up the staff that works on the ship, which in addition to becoming a light of hope for all its patients, is also the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world.

“No one is here for the money, no one is here to be popular. We all have the same salary … nothing. The best thing about this place is that we see ourselves as equals and each one uses their abilities for a common purpose,”Dr. Brian Barki, anesthesia supervisor, shared in an interview for People en Español.

Ophthalmic procedures, tumor removal, palate reconstructions, plastic, reconstructive and dental surgeries are some of the services provided in this 152-meter, 16,500-ton giant.

"The most satisfying thing is having the opportunity to help patients," adds Kat Sotolongo, who is in charge of making videos of everything that happens inside the boat, adding that no day on the ship is boring..

Kat Sotolongo

Africa Mercy is part of the international organization Mercy Ships, an initiative whose main objective is to provide top quality medical services to the most disadvantaged populations in different parts of the world.

Since its founding in 1987, they have performed more than 82,000 surgeries and 390,000 dental procedures that have completely changed the lives of their patients.

Its programs are sustained thanks to the donations received by the organization and the immense help provided by the volunteers who day by day contribute to their work.