By Alfred Koroma
Global Mercy will continue providing medical services in Sierra Leone until 2026
Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, will remain in Freetown, Sierra Leone, until June 2026, extending its mission to provide free medical care and help strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The extension which aligns with the organization’s goal of bolstering Sierra Leone’s healthcare system through 2030, was disclosed during an engagement with a group of journalists from various media outlets on Tuesday, 11th March.
The visit which began with a panel discussion where journalists engaged with the ship’s leadership, aimed at providing comprehensive understanding of how Mercy Ships, an international faith-based organization, combines direct medical care with long-term capacity building.
The organization bases its work from its two hospital ships, the Africa Mercy, which began operating in 2007, and the Global Mercy currently operating in Sierra Leone, which began serving African nations in 2022.
The hospital ships provide free surgeries on board, particularly in seven surgical specialties: maxillofacial/head and neck, reconstructive plastics, paediatric orthopaedic, general, paediatric, ophthalmic, and women’s health.
Mercy Ships has partnered with Sierra Leone and other African nations for over three decades, delivering free surgeries and healthcare services to underserved populations. Since arriving in the country in August 2023, the Global Mercy has performed over 2,950 free surgeries and trained more than 230 healthcare professionals, according to the Crew.
A simulation patient lying in the training room
The organization not only provides direct medical care but also trains local healthcare professionals, training headed by Suzane Thomas, Mercy Ships’ Sierra Leone Education, Training, and Advocacy Director.
During the Crew’s engagement with the local media, Dr. Sandra Lako\, Mercy Ships’ Sierra Leone Country Director emphasized the long-term benefits of the collaboration with the Sierra Leonean government, their commitment to create a lasting impact on the country’s surgical care system through training, infrastructure and development.
