Mercy Ships Returns to Sierra Leone to Provide Transformative Surgical Interventions

In response to an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio, Mercy Ships has decided to extend its stay in Sierra Leone to continue providing safe surgical services and training.

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone and Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby, both in the press release welcoming the ship

The Global Mercy™, recognized as the largest civilian hospital ship in the world, made its return to Freetown yesterday, marking a collaborative effort between the international charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) and the Government of Sierra Leone. This partnership aims to provide over 1,400 transformative surgeries and ongoing training for healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone.

Having departed in June after a ten-month mission that included 1,979 significant surgeries for 1,728 patients and the training of 145 healthcare workers on board, the ship's return was prompted by an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio. He requested Mercy Ships to prolong their presence to enhance the provision of safe surgical care and training in the country.

In his remarks last week, President Bio reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring affordable and high-quality healthcare for all citizens of Sierra Leone, with a vision for Universal Health Coverage. He also emphasized the longstanding partnership with Mercy Ships, which has been in place since 1992.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships has identified patients from 12 different locations across the nation for the upcoming field service and is actively supporting the training of staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone, aligning with the strategic healthcare objectives of Sierra Leone.

The return of the ship, following a brief maintenance period in Tenerife to comply with maritime regulations, was met with celebration as the Global Mercy docked in port.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, expressed his enthusiasm upon the ship's return, highlighting the potential for providing free surgeries to individuals in urgent need.

In country Mercy Ships team welcoming the Global Mercy as it arrives in Freetown

Hospital ship returns to Sierra Leone to deliver life-changing surgeries over the next ten months

He stated, “I am profoundly pleased that Mercy Ships responded positively to the President’s request for an extended stay to facilitate life-altering surgeries and to train our healthcare professionals. Over the next ten months, the ship is set to conduct more than 1,400 complimentary surgeries and will continue to provide on-board training for 130 healthcare workers. As the Minister of Health, I am thrilled about this opportunity and take great pride in our collaboration with Mercy Ships.”

Dr. Sandra Lako, the Country Director for Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome the Global Mercy back to Sierra Leone. With the robust partnerships we have established, we aim to enhance the existing impact and momentum to support the government's initiatives for the sustainable development of the surgical care system.”

The ship, along with its volunteers and the local day crew, will now commence preparations for the hospital on board, ready to embark on the next phase of free surgical programs, which will include maxillofacial/head and neck, general, pediatric orthopedic, pediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic surgeries.