Global Mercy to perform 1,400 surgeries in Sierra Leone

SIERRA LEONE—The Global Mercy™, renowned as the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, has returned to Freetown, where it is set to deliver over 1,400 life-altering surgeries.

This impactful initiative results from a collaborative effort between the international charity Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone.

The Global Mercy had initially departed Sierra Leone in June, after a fruitful ten-month period during which the ship’s medical team performed 1,979 surgeries for 1,728 patients and provided training for 145 healthcare workers.

However, at the request of President Julius Maada Bio, who extended a personal invitation, the ship has returned to continue its critical work in supporting safe surgical care and ongoing medical training within the country.

In a recent address, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens, emphasising his administration’s dedication to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

 He also highlighted the longstanding partnership with Mercy Ships, which began in 1992, as a cornerstone in the country’s efforts to enhance its healthcare system.

The return of the Global Mercy is not just a continuation of its mission but also a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure.

Working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships has identified patients in 12 different locations across the country who will benefit from the upcoming round of free surgeries.

Additionally, the charity will continue its support for ongoing training programs at Connaught Hospital and the University of Sierra Leone, aligning with the nation’s strategic healthcare development plan.

The ship’s arrival was particularly meaningful as it followed a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife, required by maritime law.

The Global Mercy’s docking in Freetown was met with enthusiasm, symbolising renewed hope for many in need of medical care.

Welcoming the ship for the second time, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, expressed his deep appreciation for Mercy Ships’ decision to honour the President’s request.

He highlighted the significance of the free surgeries that will be offered to those in desperate need and the ongoing training for local healthcare workers.

Dr. Demby revealed that over the next ten months, the ship will perform over 1,400 free surgeries while providing on-ship training for an additional 130 healthcare workers.

Adding to the optimistic outlook, Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships’ Country Director for Sierra Leone, shared her delight in the strong partnerships that have been forged.

 She emphasised that these collaborations will be instrumental in building upon the existing impact and momentum, thereby supporting the government’s plans for the sustainable development of the country’s surgical care system.

The ship’s volunteers and the Sierra Leonean day crew will now begin preparations to deliver the next phase of free surgeries.

These surgical programs will cover a range of specialities, including maxillofacial/head and neck, general surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, pediatric general surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and ophthalmology, ensuring that the people of Sierra Leone continue to receive much-needed medical care.