HOSPITAL physician Laura Clapham, who grew up in Wellington, is working with volunteers from across the globe helping to change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

The 29-year-old is working onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity-run hospital ship, which provides healthcare and training to developing countries.

The ship, staffed almost entirely by volunteers from more than 40 nations, has been docked in Dakar, the port capital of Senegal.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 93 per cent of the population do not have access to safe and affordable surgery when they need it. This results in more than 18 million people dying each year from treatable conditions, more than die from TB, Malaria and HIV combined.

Laura said: “Having thoroughly enjoyed my three months as hospital physician in Guinea last year, I was looking forward to returning to the ship this year. I love my job because it involves working with volunteers and day crew across all medical departments. I meet patients at every stage of their journey – from screening to admissions, on the wards, and afterwards in outpatients and rehab when they are preparing for discharge."

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.