1,375 free surgeries planned as Mercy Ships returns to Madagascar

MADAGASCAR—The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the international humanitarian organization Mercy Ships, has welcomed the return of the hospital ship Africa Mercy® to Toamasina, Madagascar.

This marks a crucial step in improving access to surgical care, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.

Over the next ten months, medical professionals aboard Africa Mercy will perform more than 1,375 free surgeries and approximately 1,480 dental procedures.

These life-changing interventions will provide essential care to patients who might otherwise have no access to such treatment.

In addition to delivering direct medical services, Mercy Ships is committed to strengthening Madagascar’s healthcare system through professional training programs.

Malagasy healthcare workers will receive specialized training in surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and dental care, ensuring lasting improvements in the country’s medical capacity.

This initiative is part of a broader partnership between the Malagasy government and Mercy Ships, reinforcing the country’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure.

 The program aims to create long-term solutions for Madagascar’s medical challenges by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Policy.

Patient selection has already taken place across 12 regions, ensuring that those with the most urgent surgical needs receive timely care.

The triumphant return of Africa Mercy is made possible through the strong support of Malagasy authorities, including the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

This collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare services and expanding access to surgical treatments.

As a fully equipped floating hospital, Africa Mercy offers a wide range of free surgical procedures, including maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, pediatric orthopedic surgery, and general surgery.

 Beyond surgical care, Mercy Ships focuses on knowledge transfer, working closely with Malagasy universities to provide continuous medical training.

By empowering local healthcare professionals, the program ensures that improvements in surgical and anesthetic care will continue long after the ship departs.

Mercy Ships has a long history in Madagascar, first arriving in 1996.

Since then, the organization has provided over 11,000 surgeries and 65,000 dental treatments while training more than 2,500 healthcare professionals.

The return of Africa Mercy reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.

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