Nessim, médecin-dentiste bénévole

Why did you decide to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

The opportunity to help people in need who have no access to quality medical care was my main motivation. In addition, there was the chance to share our knowledge with local healthcare workers, helping to create a lasting impact on the effectiveness of patient care. Finally, I wanted to collaborate with a pragmatic, internationally recognised NGO known for its efficiency and tangible results.

How did you first hear about Mercy Ships and the Africa Mercy?

I first heard about Mercy Ships during my dental studies in Geneva. The organisation was already well-known, and I also received very positive feedback from some colleagues who had served on board the Africa Mercy. The idea of working with professionals from different backgrounds on a hospital ship really appealed to me.

What did your work with the dental team involve?

During my assignment, I mainly performed dental surgeries and treated a wide range of related pathologies. I was also faced with the challenge of solving complex cases in a limited amount of time, as there were so many patients in need of care.

Most of the conditions we encountered were similar to those seen in developed countries, but at a much more advanced stage. The main reason, of course, is the lack of prevention and the absence of access to medical treatment.

What did this experience bring you on a personal level?

It gave me the opportunity to see my profession from a new perspective and to truly realise how fortunate we are in Western countries to have such a strong medical infrastructure.

There was also the daily opportunity to exchange ideas with highly skilled, international colleagues – something that was incredibly enriching. The motivation and energy of all the volunteers, working together efficiently toward a shared goal, were truly contagious!

Was there a moment or encounter that especially moved you?

I was deeply touched by several young teenagers who had multiple deep cavities. After completing their treatments, when we handed them a mirror to see the results, their gratitude was profoundly moving and rewarding. Volunteering with Mercy Ships is an exceptional medical experience! I am always enthusiastic about the idea of renewing this experience again in the future.