Mercy Ships wraps up 2025 mission in Madagascar

MADAGASCAR—The Government of Madagascar and Mercy Ships have announced the completion of the Africa Mercy’s® 2025 field service, marking the end of a successful 10‑month mission dedicated to strengthening surgical care and healthcare capacity across the country.

This milestone concludes a remarkable season of collaboration and ushers in a new phase of partnership, as the hospital ship prepares for a scheduled maintenance period before returning to Madagascar in May 2026.

This mission represented Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Madagascar since 1996 and the second consecutive field service of the Africa Mercy in the port city of Tamatave.

Over this period, the organization performed more than 1,370 transformative surgeries for over 1,250 patients, treating a wide range of conditions, including goiters, bowed legs, cataracts, and cleft lips.

 Among the most touching stories was that of a blind mother and daughter who regained their sight after surgery and were able to see each other’s faces for the first time.

In addition to surgical interventions, Mercy Ships delivered more than 7,110 dental procedures for over 1,140 dental patients, contributing significantly to improved oral health in local communities.

Reflecting on these achievements, Dr. Managa Monira, Madagascar’s Minister of Health, highlighted the strong and enduring collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and Mercy Ships in advancing equitable access to health services.

Over the course of several visits to the country, Mercy Ships has worked with the Malagasy government to conduct more than 7,770 surgical operations and over 57,930 dental procedures.

Yet, the organization’s impact extends well beyond direct patient care.

Since its arrival in February 2025, Mercy Ships has focused heavily on sustainable healthcare development through medical education and professional training programs.

These initiatives, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health, have strengthened Madagascar’s surgical systems by providing mentoring for physiotherapists, surgeons, nurse anesthetists, and specialized biomedical, dental, and laboratory technicians.

Throughout this field service, Mercy Ships delivered over 9,050 training hours aboard the Africa Mercy and an additional 11,030 hours in hospitals and clinics onshore, engaging more than 150 Malagasy healthcare professionals.

Glenn Wiffin, Education, Training, and Advocacy Director, emphasized that working alongside local colleagues underscores the lasting impact of empowering those shaping their own healthcare systems.

Similarly, Nathan Janson, Managing Director of the Africa Mercy, expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that over 1,400 volunteers from more than 60 countries united this year to serve the people of Madagascar.

He added that it has been an honor to share hope and healing and that the team eagerly anticipates returning in 2026 to continue strengthening healthcare partnerships and delivering essential surgeries.