Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and international charity Mercy Ships have announced an expanded collaboration, with the Global Mercy hospital ship set to remain in Freetown until June 2026.
Since its arrival in August 2023, the Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship has delivered more than 2,470 free surgeries and trained over 230 healthcare professionals, significantly enhancing access to surgical care in the country.
Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, praised Mercy Ships’ impact, stating, “I think what Mercy Ships has demonstrated is what empathy does for you in the service of people. You see it in the smiles, not just of the patients, but of the patients’ families and relatives who come to witness the transformation in their loved ones.”
A new protocol agreement has been signed to ensure sustained improvements in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system through 2030. This agreement underscores the strengthened partnership between Mercy Ships and the Sierra Leonean government, aligning with their shared mission to improve essential surgical care and build capacity within the local healthcare workforce.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timothy Musa Kabba expressed optimism for the future by pointing out that “Over the next five years, we are hopeful that the number of beneficiaries will increase, and that Sierra Leoneans will be made wholesome to pursue their God-given opportunities.”
Beyond direct surgical services, Mercy Ships is investing in Sierra Leone’s healthcare future through partnerships with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone. Initiatives include sponsoring Sierra Leonean dental students at the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry in Guinea, with graduates committed to bolstering the country’s dental workforce. Additionally, specialized training programs for nurses have focused on perioperative care, anesthesia, and sterile processing.
In her statement, Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone Country Director, emphasized the organization’s long-term vision: “We are delighted to continue providing life-changing surgeries and training on board the ship for a further 10 months. In addition, our 5-year agreement with the government of Sierra Leone affirms our joint commitment to make a long-lasting impact on the surgical care system, and we look forward to seeing the ripple effect this sustained partnership brings.”
A key milestone was achieved in 2024 when Mercy Ships received accreditation from the West African College of Surgeons, enabling surgical and anesthesia residents to complete training placements aboard the Global Mercy as part of their in-country education.
