Patient stories in Africa
Lives transformed
About 5 billion people worldwide do not have adequate access to surgical interventions. Every year, 143 million surgeries are lacking.
Behind every statistic is a story, a life – a person waiting for hope and healing. Discover some of these transformed lives!
Story of Harimalala
At the age of 12, Harimalala’s life changes suddenly. What seemed like a simple sore throat turns out to be far more serious: a goiter begins to grow on her neck. An operation on board the Africa Mercy frees her from this mass.
Story of Marie Elisa
Following an unexpected encounter with our medical team in her village, Marie Elisa received a maxillofacial surgery on board the Africa Mercy. An inspiring story that reflects the courage and resilience of our patients.
Story of Fudia
The 10-year-old can now walk by herself without struggling and is set to resume school, with hopes for the future set high: “I want to be a doctor, so that I can help other people,” she shared.
Story of Lucy
In 2021, Lucy suddenly experienced unbearable tooth pain. Although the tooth eventually fell out, the pain persisted. Her face became swollen, and it was discovered to be a tumor. Unfortunately, the cost of medical treatment was beyond the family's financial means.
Story of Mamadou
Shortly before his first birthday, Mamadou's mother realized that he was having difficulty grasping objects and that he regularly stumbled. Mamadou suffers from cataracts.
Story of Naserry
Naserry, a little 5-year-old girl, stumbled into a fire and knocked over a boiling pot: suddenly her whole childhood was shattered.