Twin sisters from Friedrichshafen save life on the hospital ship in Africa

Twin sisters from Friedrichshafen save life on the hospital ship in Africa

The twin sisters Ruth and Tabea Nusser from Friedrichshafen have been on the impressive hospital ship Africa Mercy since October. This floating hospital is one of the largest of its kind worldwide and specializes in medical care in the poorest regions of Africa. The two 31-year-old nurses are volunteering for the international aid organization Mercy Ships and will remain until mid-December.

The sisters who completed their training in the hospital in Tettnang and previously worked in clinics in Friedrichshafen and Ravensburg are active for Mercy Ships for the third time. Her first assignment took place in 2016, and the opportunity to help people in Africa are still enthusiastic. "It is a unique experience that I can share with my twin sister on board this hospital ship," says Ruth Nusser and emphasizes how privileged she feels to serve people in Madagascar with their skills.

Surgical help for needy

On the Africa Mercy, numerous surgical interventions are carried out, including the treatment of benign tumors, lip crevices and fire injuries. The twins are particularly touched by the gratitude of the patients they experience during their work. "The focus is on the individual here, it is really a special way to work," explains Tabea Nusser and emphasizes that pastoral care is also an important part of patient care.

The sisters report moving moments when patients leave the ship after their treatment. "In such a commitment, you learn more to appreciate little things in life," added Ruth. Their commitment is part of a larger program in which around 3,000 volunteers from over 60 nations are active in the two largest private hospital ships in the world, everything financed by donations.