Providing dental care in Madagascar

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore resident, and Calgary dental hygienist, Shirley Crosson, 63, is sharing her dental expertise aboard the Africa Mercy this spring. Africa Mercy is the world’s largest charity hospital ship, and is currently docked in Tamatave, Madagascar.
This will be Crosson’s first trip with Mercy Ships, but it’s not her first international charity trip. She has been involved with Kindness in Action for 15 years, helping out where she can across the globe.
“I love to do this it’s wonderful. The people I have met and the places I have gone, it’s amazing,” said Crosson.
She leaves March 22 and is set to return May 22, which is a longer trip than she has done previously with Kindness in Action. Volunteers are not paid, and so Crosson will be paying for her time on board Africa Mercy.
“There is nothing like the people you help, there is such a need compared to those in Canada, over there they are so appreciative,” said Crosson.
“I get far more out of it than I give. The warmth of the people, getting to know and understand the rest of the world, I can’t get enough of that. Trying to learn about different cultures and what’s important to them. Mothers have the same wants and desires for their children everywhere in the world; it makes the globe smaller.”
Because of a lack of doctors, finances and facilities, the Malagasy people often face conditions that aren’t seen in Canada. Massive tumours, cleft lips and palates, cataracts and bowed legs are just a few of the common conditions that affect, and threaten, the health of some Africans.
The Africa Mercy spends an average of 10 months in each host country providing medical care, surgeries, developmental programs and training to locals free of charge. This is why volunteers are expected to pay their own way, so that every possible patient can be seen.