A 16-year-old girl in Madagascar underwent life-saving surgery on board the Africa Mercy hospital ship, becoming the country's first Mercy Ships patient this year. Rosalinda, from Mananara in northern Madagascar, has been dealing with a growing tumour on her neck for three years. If not treated, the submandibular gland tumour could develop into cancer. With no access to affordable surgery, she had to watch it grow until she found Mercy Ships.

A Long Journey to Hope

Rosalinda's life took a devastating turn when she lost her mother at the age of ten. At 13, she had spotted a little tumour on her neck. As the tumour progressed, she had to leave school to assist her father with their little clothes business. "It's a disease, and I don't like it," she explained. "In addition to that, it ruined my face." 

In 2024, she suffered another painful loss when her father died. She relocated to the harbour city of Toamasina to live with her uncles and aunts. Her uncle, who was seeking treatment for a lipoma, pushed her to look into the prospect of free surgery.

Rosalinda overcame her fears after learning about her uncle's experience with Mercy Ships. When the Africa Mercy returned from maintenance in February 2025, a screening process selected her for surgery. On March 10, she had the life-changing operation. 

A Smooth and Successful Surgery

"These tumours, if they're left alone, will grow and grow. They could start to become threatening to her airway or her ability to eat." It was very smooth; the tumour came out without any complications at all," Dr. Mark Shrime, an American maxillofacial, head, and neck surgeon, who oversaw the three-hour operation said.

Rosalinda's surgery was the first of up to 1,700 procedures Mercy Ships plans to perform in Madagascar over the next 10 months. The non-profit organisation provides free surgeries to those in need aboard cutting-edge hospital ships staffed by volunteer medical specialists. Africa Mercy's present field operation is made possible via collaboration with Madagascar's president, the ministries of health, foreign affairs, and finance.

A Mission to Transform Lives 

Nathan Jansen, the managing director of Africa Mercy, emphasised the significance of the event. "We're grateful for the work done to prepare for surgeries today on the Africa Mercy," the captain said. "From our volunteer crew and supporting staff around the world to our partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and the government of Madagascar, we are thrilled to begin our surgical schedule today." 

Mercy Ships focuses not only on surgical procedures but also on long-term healthcare benefits. During this field service, they want to perform around 1,480 dental procedures and teach local professionals to boost Madagascar's healthcare system.

For Rosalinda, the operation signifies a new beginning. No longer burdened by the tumour, she can pursue her passion of becoming a tailor, secure in her health and future.