The Global Mercy™, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, has docked once more in Freetown, marking the start of its third consecutive mission to Sierra Leone.
Operated by the international NGO Mercy Ships, the vessel’s extended stay will further strengthen the country’s healthcare system while delivering safe, free surgeries to those in need.
A Strengthened Partnership for West Africa’s Health Sector
Following a short maintenance period in Cádiz, Spain, the Global Mercy will remain in Sierra Leone for ten months. The mission deepens collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone, aligning with national health priorities to improve surgical capacity and expand medical training opportunities.
Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, praised the impact of the partnership:
“Mercy Ships is delivering essential surgical services for our people while also equipping our healthcare workers with the skills and principles to deliver lasting change.”
Transformative Healthcare Impact
Since 2023, the Global Mercy has performed more than 3,630 free surgeries for 3,240 individuals in Sierra Leone. Beyond direct care, Mercy Ships has provided over 63,000 hours of training to more than 290 Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals, fostering sustainable improvements in patient care, surgical procedures, and healthcare management.
Specialized Surgical Services Offered
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Maxillofacial and head & neck surgery
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Pediatric surgery
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Orthopedic care
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Plastic reconstructive surgery
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General surgery
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Ophthalmic surgery
Long-Term Vision and Capacity Building
Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programs will continue to collaborate with local hospitals, including Connaught Hospital, and educational institutions such as the University of Sierra Leone.
Suzanne Thomas, Director of ETA, emphasized the mission’s forward-looking approach:
“We aim to leave behind a stronger, more self-reliant healthcare system that continues to serve the people of Sierra Leone long after the Global Mercy departs.”
Achievements to Date
| Achievement | Figures |
|---|---|
| Surgeries performed since 2023 | 3,630 |
| Patients served | 3,240 |
| Training hours delivered | 63,000+ |
| Healthcare professionals trained | 290+ |
| Consecutive missions to Sierra Leone | 3 |
Local and International Collaboration
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, highlighted the synergy between local and international efforts:
“The return of the Global Mercy symbolizes our shared vision to bridge gaps in surgical capacity and train the next generation of healthcare leaders in Sierra Leone.”
The mission’s team consists of international volunteers working alongside Sierra Leonean national crew, ensuring that skills and expertise are transferred effectively.
Sustainable Change for Sierra Leone and West Africa
By integrating surgical service delivery with training and capacity building, the Global Mercy supports a regional model of sustainable healthcare improvement.
The lessons learned and systems strengthened in Sierra Leone can serve as a blueprint for other West African nations seeking to expand access to safe surgeries.
Sources: Mercy Ships.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.