The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Global Mercy, is set to return to Freetown today, resuming its critical partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and international charity Mercy Ships. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Health in a press release dated August 14, 2024, highlights the ship’s mission to provide over 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and ongoing training for Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals.

The Global Mercy, which departed Sierra Leone in June, had spent ten months performing 1,979 surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare workers. Its return follows an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio, who requested an extension of Mercy Ships’ support for safe surgery and medical training in the country.

In his address last week, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to affordable, quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, emphasizing his goal of Universal Health Coverage. He praised the ongoing partnership with Mercy Ships, which has been active since 1992.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships will continue its field service across 12 locations and support training initiatives at Connaught Hospital and the University of Sierra Leone. The ship’s return, after an annual maintenance period in Tenerife, marks the beginning of a new phase of operations.

Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship’s return with enthusiasm. He expressed gratitude for Mercy Ships’ extended stay and highlighted the impact of the upcoming surgeries and training. “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honored the President’s call to stay longer,” Dr. Demby said. “The next ten months will see over 1,400 free surgeries and continued on-board training for 130 healthcare workers.”

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, also expressed her delight at the ship’s return. “With the strong partnerships we have formed, we will build upon the existing impact and momentum to support the government’s plans for the sustainable development of the surgical care system,” Lako said.

The Global Mercy will now prepare to deliver a range of free surgical programs, including maxillofacial, general, paediatric orthopaedic, paediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic surgeries. The ship’s crew and volunteers are gearing up for the next phase of their mission to provide life-changing medical care and training.