African poverty 'eye opening' for Canterbury nurse

Lloyd said each morning began with patients arriving by the busload, as those ready for surgery stayed the previous night at a medical home nearby. 

On one occasion, she recalled taking mobile dental units to a remote village to treat more than 300 locals living in extreme poverty. 

"For three and a half days the team worked in very challenging conditions, there was no electricity and no running water." 

Lloyd said the experience was "eye-opening and remarkable."

"It was wonderful to see the children in bed, parents sleeping underneath, both just amazed to be there and get treatment."

Although the work was rewarding , Lloyd found it tough emotionally.  While there, she diagnosed three people with mouth cancer. 

"There was nothing we could do to help.

"When this happens, knowing that someone cares and loves them is most important," Lloyd said.  

Lloyd met an  Australian nurse who spent three months in Benin every year, and said she hoped to return too.

 "The people in Africa need us to support their health. The babies and children would live with these dental issues all their lives."

Lloyd said she the experience was a privilege and had changed her perspective of the world today.

She said her contribution  was just one part of a large team effort. 

"I am just a tiny, tiny ripple in a big, big pond, it is the work we do together which has the greatest impact."