Mercy Ships to return to Sierra Leone for more surgeries, training in August

SIERRA LEONE — The Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the international organisation Mercy Ships, has announced plans for a new phase of free life-changing surgeries and educational activities for Sierra Leoneans, beginning in August.

This announcement comes as Global Mercy, the charity’s largest hospital ship, temporarily leaves Sierra Leone for a planned brief maintenance period.

The ship will return in August to continue its commitment to delivering free specialized surgeries and training for health professionals.

The Global Mercy has been stationed in Freetown since August 2023 in response to an invitation from His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

In line with the nation’s strategic healthcare plan, Mercy Ships has provided 1,979 surgeries and trained 145 healthcare professionals on board since its arrival.

The partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone aims to foster lasting improvements in the country’s surgical care system through various educational initiatives.

One notable initiative involves sponsoring five students to earn their degrees as dental surgeons at the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry in neighbouring Guinea, with the expectation that they will later return to bolster Sierra Leone’s limited dental workforce.

Another key initiative is the newly re-established nurse anesthesia diploma course, currently supporting a cohort of 20 registered nurses specializing in anesthesia.

While the Global Mercy undergoes annual maintenance, a maritime requirement to ensure the safety of vessels for volunteer crew and patients, Mercy Ships will remain active in Sierra Leone.

 The charity’s education, training, and advocacy teams will continue to support healthcare providers off-ship.

Mercy Ships’ scope of surgical care covers various specialties, including maxillofacial, general, pediatric general, and ophthalmic procedures.

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, expressed her excitement about the extension of their mission.

She emphasized the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to strengthen surgical care in the country.

In his remarks, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby expressed his pride in the partnership with Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone’s investment in surgical care.

He highlighted the significant investments being made in the surgical workforce through training and professional development, implementing rigorous standards and protocols for surgical procedures.

Dr. Demby emphasized that by prioritizing quality and safety, Mercy Ships will help improve patient outcomes and build trust in Sierra Leone’s surgical landscape.

He also stressed the importance of continuing to work together to expand access to safe, affordable, free, and timely surgical care.

This collaborative effort is essential for improving the overall health and well-being of Sierra Leone’s population, ensuring that more individuals receive the critical surgical care they need.

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