With the first operation on board the “Global Mercy,” the international aid organisation Mercy Ships has begun its ten-month mission in Sierra Leone.
In addition to surgical procedures such as hernia operations, the organization aims to strengthen the West African country’s healthcare systems in the long term. The focus is on training and further education for local specialists, particularly in the areas of anesthesia and surgery. According to Mercy Ships, untreated hernias are widespread in Sierra Leone. A survey revealed a disease rate of 7.7% among adult men – one of the highest rates in the world.
To kick off the mission, an official welcome event was held on the “Global Mercy”, attended by representatives from the government, diplomatic corps, churches and civil society organizations. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised the work of Mercy Ships: The missions give people hope and at the same time support the development of the local healthcare system.
Steven Purdon, the newly appointed hospital director, emphasized the importance of the service of the many international volunteers: “This milestone is also an impressive testament to the incredible commitment of our volunteers, whose dedication makes our mission possible every day.”
3,630 donor-funded ob board tech “Global Mercy”
Since 2023, medical teams on board the hospital ship Global Mercy have carried out more than 3,630 donor-funded operations for around 3,240 patients. At the same time, the education and training programs contribute to improving surgical care in the country. Mercy Ships employs 2,500 people from 60 countries worldwide.
The 174 m long and 28.6 m wide “Global Mercy ” was built in China. The 37,000-ton ship cost over 200 million dollars. It is considered to be the largest ship ever built specifically as a hospital ship in the world.
The aid organization is always looking for volunteers in various professional fields for its missions in Africa. Anyone interested in working for Mercy Ships can contact the German office based in Landsberg am Lech or support the organization’s work with a donation. Further information can be found at: mercyships.de
