Sierra Leone Welcomes Newest Mercy Ships, the Global Mercy™ into Port of Freetown
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE, 24 AUGUST 2023 – In response to an invitation from H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, Freetown has welcomed Mercy Ships’ hospital ship, marking the sixth instance of the collaboration between Mercy Ships and the government of Sierra Leone. This time it is the Global Mercy™, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, which has docked at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
For the next ten months, Mercy Ships’ newest state-of-the-art hospital ship will partner with the Ministry of Health to provide free specialized surgeries to Sierra Leoneans and targeted training for healthcare professionals until June 2024. Mercy Ships’ programmatic strategy has been carefully aligned with the country’s current healthcare plan.
What are Mercy Ships goals for Sierra Leone?
For three decades Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone have stood together in partnership, and now a new chapter of hope begins. Our 7,000-ton custom-build Global Mercy hospital ship arrived august 22 to bring hope and healing in Sierra Leone. Our volunteers are ready for the next 10 months, to performed more than 2,350 free and safe surgeries and to trained more than 200 healthcare professionals.
Sierra Leone President testimonial
His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio eloquently affirmed this synergy by stating, “Today, as we welcome the Global Mercy™ hospital ship to our shores, we celebrate a convergence of purpose. This collaboration with Mercy Ships reflects our vision for a resilient healthcare system in Sierra Leone. Their healing touch aligns seamlessly with our commitment to improve healthcare access and echoes our dedication to the Big 5 agenda on human capital development, particularly in healthcare. With this partnership, we strengthen our stride towards a healthier nation and a brighter future for all.”
Outlined program for Sierra Leone
The life-changing surgeries delivered will include tumor removal, cleft lip and palate correction, cataract removal, orthopedics and reconstructive plastics. Patients have been encouraged to attend screening days to receive appointments for their specific surgical needs. Patient selection teams have already registered and assessed patients in eight locations, both upcountry and in the greater Freetown area, in preparation for the ship’s arrival. In collaboration with national and international partners, Mercy Ships will provide education and training across the surgical ecosystem for more than 200 local healthcare professionals who will add capacity long after the ship leaves. The emphasis of these programs will focus on surgery, nursing, biomedical, sterile processing, and anesthesia. This multi-year partnership will focus on strengthening the surgical care system by investing in Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals who will impact this nation for years to come.Mercy Ships CEO testimonial
Gert van de Weerdhof, CEO of Mercy Ships said, “It’s very exciting to mark the beginning of our sixth field service in Sierra Leone. We’ve had a long-standing partnership, beginning with our first field service here in 1992 on the hospital ship, the Anastasis. Since then, we returned from 2001 to 2004, and again in 2011. Now, in 2023, hope and healing will come anew as some 2,350 safe, free surgeries will be performed on board the Global Mercy.”
About Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a rapidly growing country with a population of more than 7 million and nestled within the vibrant tapestry of West Africa, boasts a resilient populace and a cultural tapestry woven from centuries of history. While strides have been made in recent years, the country continues to grapple with significant healthcare challenges, particularly in the realm of surgical services. Access to safe and timely surgical interventions remains a critical concern, with a substantial portion of the population lacking proper healthcare infrastructure. The current demand for surgical procedures significantly outpaces the available resources, leaving many without the medical attention they urgently require. Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing this need underscores its dedication to the well-being and future of its citizens, as it strives to forge a path toward equitable and comprehensive healthcare access for all.About Mercy Ships
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. For more information, visit mercyships.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.
