Meet Mama Africa: A Nurse Whose Compassionate Leadership Has Shaped Generations of Care

“My name is Florence Mangula,” says the smiling nurse, proudly. “I am retired but not tired.”

Anyone who works with Mangula, affectionally referred to as Mama Africa by her colleagues, knows that it is an understatement. With over 30 years of service under her belt, Mangula has been a consistent source of comfort, wisdom and compassion for countless patients and their families over her decades of service with Operation Smile. Since the 1990s, Florence Mangula has been a constant presence in Operation Smile’s work, serving as a volunteer, educator and mentor to nurses across Kenya and Africa. Even in retirement, she continues her care in Port Reitz, Mombasa. Known as “Mama,” she lives up to the name in every sense: a mother to all.

On this International Nurses Day, we are paying a special tribute to Mama Africa and all our volunteer nurses. At Operation Smile, nurses are essential to safe surgery, comprehensive care and resilient health systems. Through Operation 100, we are helping bring care closer to home by equipping local health workers — including nurses — with the skills, training and support needed to expand access to cleft and essential surgical care.

Mangula’s passion for care began as a young child. Born in the Western Province of Kenya, the first of 11 children, she was frequently sick. “I used to have tonsillitis quite often. I used to see the way the nurses were very compassionate, and that motivated me,” she says with a laugh, adding, “Initially, I was supposed to be an air hostess.”

Known for her ability to calm a worried parent with a hopeful thought or to soothe a crying child with a song, her impact is immeasurable. In addition to hundreds of patients she has helped through the years, she constantly inspires those around her, especially young nurses.

“I admired the way she worked,” says Caroline Kahyo, PACU nurse in Kenya working with Operation Smile. “And I was like, one day, I want to be like Mama Africa.”

“Her heart is what drives me,” echoes Faith Chebet, program manager at Operation Smile Kenya.

And for Mangula, her generosity continues. “Any teaching, anything for Operation Smile, count on me. I’ll go,” she exclaims.