“More that 18 million people die each year from causes that can easily be treated. One in eight children die before they reach school age. Globally, five billion people lack access to safe surgery,” explained Gabrielle Reilly, Ambassador for Mercy Ships Australia.
“Mercy Ships began its mission in 1978. It is an International organisation that deploys hospital ships and volunteer healthcare professionals to provide hope and healing to those in need, particularly in Africa and in Asia Pacific. Volunteer professionals provide life changing surgeries to people who would otherwise have to go without. They also train and up skill local healthcare workers,” Gabrielle added.
“Growing up in Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia, I became friendly with some of the world’s poorest children. I couldn’t understand how simply being born in one country could offer a life full of opportunity and comfort, while being born in another, meant facing a lifetime of unimaginable poverty. At a very young age, I promised myself to dedicate my life to humanitarian work.”
“Gabrielle Reilly will be guest speaker at the Tewantin Noosa Probus Club’s next meeting on Tuesday 24 February at the Tewantin Noosa RSL. Visitors are welcome to join us at 10am for morning tea including a delicious muffin for just $6. Gabrielle’s presentation will begin at 10.30am. If you would like to hear Gabrielle’s talk, please phone Christine on 5442 7397, so she can save you a seat,” advised Club President Joy Fenty.
“Gabrielle returned to Australia not long ago, after spending several decades in the United States and a year in India, building critical relationships with world leaders. I can’t wait to hear her stories,” Joy added.
“During my time abroad, I had the privilege of working alongside Fortune 100 CEOs, billionaires, three star generals, astronauts and global figures such as Henry Kissinger, Buzz Aldrin, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former President of Indonesia. My work focussed on advancing diplomacy, peace building, economic security and national security,” Gabrielle said.
“It is an honour for me now to be an Ambassador for Mercy Ships. We have provided over one billion dollars of free surgeries, we have helped train more than 6,000 local doctors and surgeons who are now passing on their skills and knowledge. We have launched agricultural programmes that not only feed hundreds of thousands, but also educate communities on eliminating pesticide use, linked to the tumours claiming so many lives.
“Mercy Ships Australia is deeply committed to addressing both the root causes and the symptoms of suffering whilst equipping local medical professionals with the necessary skills to create long-term, self-sustaining healthcare systems.
“Our hospital ships spend most of their time in Africa. In the Asia Pacific, we take a different approach. We work through strong partnerships with a range of organisations across Small Island Developing States. Through these partnerships, Mercy Ships Australia delivers millions of dollars worth of medial supplies and equipment, as well as supporting the building, upgrading and maintenance of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. I shall explain this more fully during my presentation,” Gabrielle added.
