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The hospital on the sea

Thousands of Africans line the streets leading to the sea, old and young, all desperately seeking medical help.

It is an alarming sight to the Australians who are new to the decks of the Mercy Ships, but sadly not uncommon.

The incredible floating hospital Africa Mercy is one of the fleet, recently docked in the African nation of Congo to treat the sick.

14 thousand kilometres from home, Australian paediatric nurse Rinnah Fry is completing her third tour of duty on the Mercy Ship.

"It is excitement mixed with sadness from leaving family and friends but its definitely excitement," Rinnah said.

Other Aussies on board include thoracic surgeon Dr Allen John Collins and engineer Mick Dunne — who brought his whole family along.

"I had always wanted to do something where I contributed positively to the world um, and I also wanted to model the behaviour my values to my children," Mick said.

"I think what strengthens your marriage and your family values is doing something that is bigger than us it’s not about our house or our holiday its something beyond what we do personally," Mick's wife Tamara said.

Many of the Congalese arriving for help suffer from swollen glands around the neck which look and feel tumour-like, called a goiter.

They’re rare in Australia but common in Africa because of a diet high in cassava – a common root vegetable.

Claire is one of Dr Collins' new patients and she in constant pain, her goiter has left her unable to work and she rarely leaves her house.

But for the opportunity to be treated she has travelled hundreds of kilometres.

Dr Collins determined surgery was possible and within days Claire's life had changed completely.

Among the others being treated on board is three-year-old Cojo, his legs were severely bowed when he arrived at the African Mercy.

Cojo's legs were broken and reset with metal pins in a free surgery he would have never received in a Congalese hospital.

Sadly, the Mercy Ship isn’t equipped to handle patients with Ebola so after the latest outbreak it has moved temporarily to Madagascar where the crew continues to help those in desperate need of surgery.

"I love saying goodbye to everyone when they’re ready to walk out the door and they are immensely grateful and I think that’s the pay back for me, is just their gratefulness, it’s um, it’s really nice. I enjoy that."

You can help the Mercy Ships continue their work by donating at www.mercyships.org.