“The majority of the conflict is not government versus opposition, it’s tribal rivalries and cattle raidings. What used to be done with spears and bows and arrows now it’s done with machine guns.”
Mr Box said it was one of the most stressful but rewarding jobs he has done.
He said the exposure to dangerous situations created a strong camaraderie between healthcare workers.
“There’s a lot of gallows humour, it’s another way of coping with situations. A bit like the banter in M*A*S*H,” he said.
“At first you see people with guns and you’re a bit worried. After a couple of weeks it becomes an everyday occurrence, you’re like ‘oh that guy’s got a rocket-propelled grenade. He’s not shooting at me that’s OK’.”
Mr Box said his interest in international aid was sparked while studying at RMIT and La Trobe.
Between 2014 and 2016 he lived in Laos, helping set up an operating room.
His nursing work has also taken him to Nauru and East Timor.
He said a requirement of the role was to remain detached from the ongoing conflicts and focus on the patients.