Over 16 million people die each year due to lack of surgical care; Mercy Ships builds a response to this world problem for the future
In addition to providing surgeries, the Global Mercy will be outfitted with state-of-the-art training spaces including a simulation lab with virtual and augmented reality, mannequins and other training tools and simulated post-op care space, which allow trainers to simulate local conditions and limitations in order to teach best practices in low-resource environments.
The 174-meter, 37,000-ton ship will have six operating rooms and house over 600 volunteers from around the globe representing many disciplines including surgeons, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians, the host staff and more. The ship will also feature a 682-seat auditorium, student academy, gymnasium, pool, café, shop and library – all of which have been designed to accommodate up to 950 crew onboard when docked in port.
The Global Mercy will join the current flagship Africa Mercy, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity.
Hospital wards - Deck 4
Surgical suite - Deck 3
Crew facilities include
| Auditorium | 682 seat | Gymnasium |
| Academy | 125 student | Cafe & Shop |
| Patient Capacity | 199 volunteers | Pool |
| Surgical Suite | 6 Operating room | Library |
All pre-operative and post-operative work include
| Radiology | with X-Ray & CT Scan |
| Screening/Admissions | |
| Rehab | |
| Outpatient care |
Training spaces include
| Simulation Laab with |
| Virtual & Augmented reality |
| Simulated Post op Care Space |
| Mannequins & Other Training Tools |
The simulation lab will allow trainers to simulate local conditions & limitations in order to teach best practices in low-resource environments. Training opportunities include:
• Post-op scenario training for nursing teams
• Surgical technical teams basic skills training
• Basic surgical skills training to prepare trainees for live surgical experience
• Live surgical mentoring in selected high demand, elective procedures
It is clear that the underdeveloped countries we typically serve are in need of stronger healthcare systems that currently do not have the resources and capacity to help those in need.
As soon as we are able to return to normal operations, Mercy Ships will be committed to continuing to serve those in need while also keeping the safety of our crew, volunteers, staff and patients at the forefront of our concern. We will remain as diligent as possible to avoid contamination and ensure adequate care is available – while still fulfilling our mission to provide free surgical care to those who do not have access to it and to build robust healthcare systems for the future.
9 million people die every year due to the lack of access to safe, timely and affordable surgery.
Healthcare systems have proven to be even more fragile and limited due to the pandemic. COVID-19 has collapsed aspects of health systems within even the strongest developed countries – despite them having more resources, access to clean water and widespread hygiene measures.
We will take all necessary steps to enhance safety measures for our volunteers, staff and patients.
Peter Linz, our International Chief Medical Officer, is working with our Medical Staff, outside experts and in concert with other International NGOs to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We are taking guidance from national health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to modify our programmatic design and procedures so as to take every precaution to ensure the safety of Mercy Ships patients, staff and volunteers.
Global Mercy – Infographic
Overview of all the technical details of our new ship in construction
Download PDFNewly-built ship under construction overview
“Having been on the MV Africa Mercy, I have seen at first hand how the hospital ship changes the lives of its patients.
David Walker, global chartering manager, Eiger Shipping
“Tens of thousands of people work in Africa in the oil and gas business, allowing the industry to flourish. Cargo Day is one of the ways we can give back.
Shouldn’t we, the people who make up our industry, show that we care?”
Marc Lecoanet, chief executive officer, Riverlake
“At the end, we all share one value together : We believe that people matter”.
Gilles Rolland, Managing Director, Nyala Shipping
“The world is full of smart, caring, and wonderful people who are less fortunate than us and who need our help. It is our responsibility to provide that help and Mercy Ships’ Cargo Day is the best way to do it.
“Whether it’s through a monetary donation, volunteer work, or helping to spread awareness, we all need to roll up our sleeves and do our part.”
Cyril Ducau, chief executive officer, EPS
“Preventable deaths are an everyday reality for too many African families. As COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile healthcare systems globally, the need to provide accessible, life-saving surgical care is greater than ever. The Global Mercy represents a unique call to support the strengthening of healthcare systems in Africa on behalf of the most vulnerable.”
Rosa Whitaker, President of Mercy Ships
