Freetown – In 2024, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) provided vital healthcare and training across sub-Saharan Africa, reaching significant milestones in its mission to deliver free surgical care and strengthen local healthcare systems.
By deploying its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy, the organization has positively transformed thousands of lives by merging direct medical services with educational, training, and advocacy initiatives through partnerships with governments for lasting impacts.
Mercy Ships facilitated over 2,280 surgeries and performed more than 3,690 surgical procedures. Dental teams treated more than 2,040 patients, conducting over 9,090 dental procedures over more than 3,600 visits.
Additionally, over 250 healthcare professionals participated in training initiatives, accumulating more than 42,550 hours of educational instruction collectively.
The dual-ship approach allowed Mercy Ships to expand its reach, providing services in Sierra Leone and Madagascar while bolstering Guinea’s healthcare framework.
These achievements were made possible by the dedication of over 1,700 international volunteers along with more than 670 local day crew members.
Training Healthcare Professionals
Capacity-building initiatives in partnership with host nations included programs such as the Nurse Anesthesia Diploma, which trained 20 specialists from various regions of Sierra Leone to address crucial gaps in anesthetic care.
Developed alongside the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone, this initiative aims to provide sustainable solutions for the country’s healthcare system.
According to the World Health Organization (http://apo-opa.co/4gR2mvQ), Sierra Leone faces significant challenges, with only 0.7 doctors, 2.04 nurses, and 0.02 dentists available per 10,000 individuals.
Many patients in need of surgery face exorbitant costs, further limiting their access to necessary treatment.
Partnership with Local Governments is Key to Creating Long-Term Impact
In Madagascar, the scarcity of healthcare professionals persists, with merely 1.76 doctors, 2.92 nurses, and 0.08 dentists per 10,000 people serving a population exceeding 31 million.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for capacity-building programs and free surgical care.
“Collaborating with local governments is vital for achieving long-lasting impact,” expressed Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education at Mercy Ships.
“Such programs empower local professionals to provide essential care within their communities.”
Stories of Transformation
Individuals like Delphin, a farmer from Madagascar, and Fudia, a young girl from Sierra Leone, exemplify the significant impact of Mercy Ships.
Delphin received surgery to remove a debilitating goiter, allowing him to reunite with his family and resume working. “My life is back to normal,” he shared.
“I can work in the field again.”
For 10-year-old Fudia, surgery to correct her bowed legs brought both physical relief and emotional uplift.
“Her friends used to mock her,” noted her aunt.
“Now she is happy and plays with her friends.”
Motivated by her experience, Fudia now aspires to become a doctor.
The efforts of Mercy Ships in Guinea also achieved a significant milestone in 2024.
In September, Guinea’s only public dental school, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC), opened a modern training facility that doubled its capacity to educate new dentists.
Thanks to Mercy Ships’ support, this expansion allows more than 210 students to receive practical training using advanced equipment, including simulation stations and a CBCT scanning machine.
This initiative aims to tackle the critical shortage of dental professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.
Since partnering with Mercy Ships in 2018, UGANC has transformed its approach to dental education, providing sustainable solutions for Guinea and neighboring countries.
Students from diverse African countries, including Sierra Leone, Benin, and Madagascar, now benefit from these programs, furthering the mission to improve access to essential dental care in the region.
The exceptional achievements and milestones in 2024 were made possible by dedicated volunteers who traveled from 69 countries to serve in various capacities, from surgeons to engineers.
Volunteers such as Merryl Mackenzie, an operating room nurse from Australia, and Ishaka Sesay, a maritime crew member from Sierra Leone, exemplify the organization’s commitment to compassion and service.
As Mercy Ships continues its mission, the organization encourages more volunteers to participate in its efforts to deliver hope and healing to underserved communities.
With two ships actively operating, the potential for impact in 2025 is unmatched.
Learn more about How To Get Involved – Mercy Ships (http://apo-opa.co/3DwrZ6S)
