How Volunteering in Africa Impacts Lives in The Long Term
Living With a Hernia
Our first patient for our second field service in Sierra Leone was a 32-year-old police officer who received life-transforming surgery on board Mercy Ships’ hospital ship which is currently serving Sierra Leone to deliver over 1,400 surgeries in the coming months.
Father-of-one, Sahr, had been suffering since the age of 20 from a hernia that continued to grow larger and more painful. It left him living in daily pain and struggling to eat.
“I was always complaining of sickness.”
He could not sit for long without feeling pain and had to learn to push his hernia back inside his stomach to avoid suffering.
Wary of medical interventions, the dedicated police officer was on duty when he learned Mercy Ships was delivering free surgeries and became curious. The patient registration team paid a courtesy visit to the commanding officer at his police station. And when the registration information was shared on their police forum, he decided to register in the hope he could receive the help he needed.
Surgeon volunteer from the USA, Dr. Timothy Burandt, who would eventually operate on Sahr said: “The hernias that we see in Africa tend to be larger and more complex because patients don't have an opportunity to seek care and see doctors earlier on.”
Dr. Burandt explained: “Ultimately this would get larger and more painful. It would get large enough and a piece of bowel would come through there, potentially twist on itself, strangle, and he could die from that.”
After being accepted for surgery, Sahr walked up the Global Mercy gangway, he didn’t imagine becoming the first patient of this field service. It took a whole community effort on board to prepare for patients, so on the day of his surgery – September 3, 2024 – there was growing excitement among the crew across the ship.
Thanks to safe surgery and volunteers, Sahr’s hope of a better life devoid of pain was ignited after about an hour in the operating room on board.
Volunteers' Dedication to Patients
Surgeries like Sahr's would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, medical or non-medical. Everyone on board has a special contribution to make to the surgeries.
Jean Pierre Mendy, a Volunteer Head Receptionist shared: “Surgeries are starting today, and we are very happy even if we are not part of the medical staff."
Jacob Omoko is volunteering as a Seafarer Engine. He also shared: “One goal is to serve the Sierra Leoneans. Sahr’s life is going to change forever, and we're going to get to be part of that, so I'm so happy!”
Henry Kargbo, Translator from Sierra Leone is also very happy to serve his own country as a volunteer. “I have a lot of Sierra Leonian brothers and sisters who have been suffering for quite a long time and they have been seeking to get this chance."
A whole active community gives its time to ensure that reliable surgeries are delivered on time.
Darryl Anderson, commented from Mercy Ships Canada’s national office in Victoria, BC. “I am extremely proud of the role that Canadian volunteers play as part of an international team from over 60 countries worldwide.” Anderson continued “The wide range of skills from our volunteers speaks to the generosity of spirit that characterizes Mercy Ships Canada volunteers.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact in Sierra Leone
The Global Mercy was invited to extend her stay in Freetown by His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, after performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries and training 145 healthcare professionals between August 2023 and June 2024. In response to the invitation, the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship docked back in Freetown on August 14, 2024.
Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, explained that despite the efforts of the government and the expanding surgical workforce, there is a huge unmet surgical need in Sierra Leone.
She said: “With the Government of Sierra Leone, we can partner and work together to achieve their goal of safe surgery for every person in the country.”
More than 200 national volunteers have been trained to work on board and healthcare workers will receive ongoing mentoring.
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