"I am just very blessed to be able to come over here and help," said Michelle McEwan, the Mercy Ships volunteer nurse from Traralgon.
The Africa Mercy hospital ship arrived in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, in August 2013 to deliver healthcare to developing regions in the world.
During her time volunteering aboard the ship which has five operating rooms, McEwan served in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit's recovery ward where patients spend time after their surgery.
"It is heart breaking to see people suffer that way due to lack of surgical care," Ms McEwan said.
"Some surgeries are not 'major' as such, like a cleft lip, but the effect that the surgery has on a child or adult has a major impact on their life and the life of their family. There are also those that would die if their tumours were not removed."
During the ship's 10-month stay in Congo, volunteers and workers aim to provide 3,300 free surgeries and treat over 20,000 people at land-based dental and eye clinics, while providing health care education to the local health care professionals.
"I have done a lot of travelling over the years, including to some very poor countries, so that has prepared me for what I have seen here but I do find that poverty is always very confronting no matter how many times you have seen it," Ms McEwan said. "I have made new friends who are really supportive and lend a listening ear if I need to debrief about anything."
"I have had nothing but support from family and friends. Some people say I am brave but I don't see it that way. It has just been wonderful meeting so many new people from all around the world. 34 nations are represented on board the ship at the moment. It has been great to let people know about Mercy Ships and the great work that they do," she concluded.
For more information about Mercy Ships visit: www.mercyships.org.au