GUINEA, WEST AFRICA — Despite the tumor slowly growing on his face for 15 years, Amadou never stopped providing medical care to others around him. As the sole healthcare professional, he became a pillar of hope for his village in Guinea in West Africa — and then, finally, it was time to have his own hope restored.

See how one surgery can impact an entire community.

For 20 years, Amadou worked as a trained nurse in a government hospital in Guinea in West Africa. Due to his growing tumor, he left his job at the hospital.

Amadou opened his own clinic in Sangaredi in Guinea, serving the community as the only healthcare provider.

But he was about to experience a major turning point in his life when he received the news that Christian charity Mercy Ships had arrived in Guinea and he was finally able to have his tumor surgically removed on board their vessel the Africa Mercy.

Following this remarkable procedure this is the moment Amadou was able to look in a mirror and see for himself the transformation.

And there was much celebration when he returned to his family and his community.

Amadou:

Finally we recognize the NGO Mercy Ships and we say thank you very much to them.

The work they do is incredible. If you come thinking your illness is serious you see people with a more serious illness than you. All of Guinea must be happy with them.

Now Amadou is determined to help as many people as he can who are suffering throughout Sangaredi.

Amadou:

I love medicine. I like to help people who have suffered. It’s important because there is a lot of sickness here. As soon as you are in good health you can do much. Health is important for all of us.

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 60 nations, with an average of over 1,200 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.

CONTACT: Diane Rickard, Int’l Media Relations Manager, Mercy Ships, Diane.rickard@mercyships.org

Read more news on Non-Profit Organizations and Medical Ministry on Missions Box