AYV News, August 16, 2024

The Global Mercy Ships has returned to Sierra Leone to continue its mission in offering free surgeries across various specialties, including maxillofacial, general, pediatric orthopedics, reconstructive plastics and ophthalmic procedures for another year.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Austin Demby said this time, more than one thousand four hundred people will receive free life-transforming surgeries and the Ships will continue to train local healthcare workers.

Mercy Ships has since been invited to extend the hospital ship’s stay in Sierra Leone to continue bringing life-changing hope and healing in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Following a short maintenance period in June, the Global Mercy has returned to Freetown to resume its operations.

Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care.  An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades.  Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy.  Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care.  Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.