Sierra Leoneans Welcome Newest Mercy Ship, the Global Mercy™ into Port of Freetown

VICTORIA, BC, AUGUST 24, 2023 – Darryl Anderson, Executive Director of Mercy Ships Canada is pleased to announce that Mercy Ships has returned to Sierra Leone.

Anderson stated, “We are so grateful that our Canadian volunteers have arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone safely onboard the Global Mercy. Soon, the world’s largest hospital ship will be welcoming patients onboard, many of whom have long anticipated this moment. This field service marks the first time since 2011 that Mercy Ships has conducted a field service in Sierra Leone.” 

In response to an invitation from H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, Freetown has welcomed a 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’ program strategy has been carefully aligned with the country’s current strategic healthcare plan.

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."

Gert van de Weerdhof, CEO of Mercy Ships stated “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.”

The life-changing surgeries delivered will include tumor removal, cleft lip and palate correction, cataract removal, orthopaedics, 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 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.

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 is an international faith-based organization that operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with international and 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. ​ 

For more than 30 years Mercy Ships has mobilized people and resources worldwide to promote access to safe surgical care and sustainable development within Africa. 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, mariners, 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 www.mercyships.ca and follow @MercyShips on social media.

For More Information Contact:

Kornelia Eisfeld

Manager Marketing and Donor Relations

Mercy Ships Canada

Kornelia.eisfeld@mercyships.ca 

Tel: 250-940-7716