German nurse fulfills dream volunteering with Mercy Ships in Madagascar

Vanessa Rose de Lima Body, a 28-year-old nurse from Munich University Hospital, has been volunteering with Mercy Ships aboard the Africa Mercy in Madagascar. Born in Madagascar, she describes this as the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Her mission will conclude in mid-December, marking the organization’s fifth field service in the country. Volunteers like Vanessa are essential in bringing medical care to remote communities that otherwise have limited access.

Body’s journey into medicine was inspired by a cousin who worked as a translator on the Africa Mercy in 2014. She learned German in school and later completed an au pair year in Gmund am Tegernsee to strengthen her language skills. Vanessa then trained as a nurse at Bad Tölz Municipal Hospital, gaining experience in anesthesia and emergency care. Her current position at Munich University Hospital allows her to apply these skills while volunteering abroad.

Supporting healthcare in Madagascar

Vanessa explains the critical healthcare situation in her home country. Medical treatment and medication are costly, leaving many without access to care. Rural communities face additional challenges, including long travel distances and underdeveloped infrastructure.

She emphasizes that Mercy Ships provides surgery free of charge and trains local healthcare workers, creating lasting benefits for communities long after the ship leaves. Onboard, Vanessa serves on the anesthesia team, bridging language gaps and easing patients’ fears. She helps build trust and ensures patients feel safe in the unfamiliar hospital ship environment. Her work contributes to both immediate medical care and the long-term development of local healthcare capacity. Volunteers like her are vital in helping Mercy Ships fulfill its mission effectively.

Recognizing volunteer contributions

Vanessa will return to her job in Munich in mid-December, just as Mercy Ships’ ten-month mission in Madagascar ends. Lydia Rieger, Managing Director of Mercy Ships Germany, highlights the importance of volunteers in maintaining operations. Around 100 individuals from Germany and Austria contribute annually, providing medical care, technical support, and other essential functions on board.

Their dedication ensures that Mercy Ships can reach those who need it most, delivering life-saving care and training for sustainable impact. Without volunteers, Mercy Ships would not be able to provide the critical services that transform communities.