DailySun
Freetown – In 2024, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) made significant strides in delivering transformative healthcare and training across sub-Saharan Africa, successfully advancing its mission to provide free surgical care while improving local healthcare systems.
Through its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy, the organization has positively impacted the lives of thousands by merging direct medical services with educational, training, and advocacy efforts in partnership with governments for sustainable outcomes.
Mercy Ships successfully carried out over 2,280 surgeries and performed more than 3,690 surgical procedures. Dental teams provided care to over 2,040 patients, resulting in over 9,090 dental procedures conducted across more than 3,600 visits.
Additionally, more than 250 healthcare professionals participated in training programs, accumulating over 42,550 hours of educational instruction.
The organization’s dual-ship approach enabled Mercy Ships to extend its reach, offering services in Sierra Leone and Madagascar and strengthening Guinea’s healthcare infrastructure.
These achievements were made possible by the contributions of over 1,700 international volunteers and more than 670 local day crew members.
Training Healthcare Professionals
Capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with host nations included programs like the Nurse Anesthesia Diploma, where 20 specialists from various regions of Sierra Leone were trained to address crucial gaps in anesthetic care.
This initiative, created in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone, aims to provide sustainable solutions for the country’s healthcare challenges.
Sierra Leone currently faces significant hurdles, with only 0.7 doctors, 2.04 nurses, and 0.02 dentists for every 10,000 individuals, per the World Health Organization (http://apo-opa.co/4gR2mvQ).
Many patients needing surgical care face prohibitive expenses, further limiting their access to essential treatments.
Partnership with Local Governments is Key to Creating Long-Term Impact
Similarly, in Madagascar, healthcare professional availability is critically low, with only 1.76 doctors, 2.92 nurses, and 0.08 dentists per 10,000 people serving a population exceeding 31 million.
These statistics underline the urgent demand for capacity-building programs and complimentary surgical care.
“Our collaboration with local governments is essential for fostering long-term impact,” said Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education at Mercy Ships.
“Initiatives like these enable 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 profound effects of Mercy Ships’ work.
Delphin received surgery to remove a debilitating goiter, which allowed him to return to his family and work. “My life is back to normal,” he expressed.
“I can work in the field again.”
For 10-year-old Fudia, surgery to correct her bowed legs not only healed her physically but also revitalized her emotionally.
“Her friends used to tease her,” said her aunt.
“Now she is happy and plays with her friends.”
Motivated by her experience, Fudia aspires to become a doctor.
Mercy Ships also celebrated a notable achievement in Guinea in 2024.
This September, Guinea’s sole public dental institution, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC), launched a state-of-the-art training facility, effectively doubling its capacity to train aspiring dentists.
With the assistance of Mercy Ships, this expansion enables over 210 students to acquire hands-on training using advanced technology, including simulation stations and a CBCT scanning machine.
This initiative addresses the pressing shortage of dental professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.
Since teaming up with Mercy Ships in 2018, UGANC has transformed its dental education methodologies, paving the way for sustainable solutions for Guinea and surrounding regions.
Students from multiple African countries—including Sierra Leone, Benin, and Madagascar—are now benefiting from these initiatives, furthering the mission to improve access to essential dental care in the region.
The remarkable accomplishments and milestones in 2024 were realized thanks to dedicated volunteers from 69 countries, who served in various roles ranging from surgeons to engineers.
Volunteers like 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 vital work, the organization encourages more volunteers to join its mission of providing hope and healing to underserved communities.
With both vessels actively deployed, the potential for impact in 2025 is unprecedented.
Discover more about how to get involved with Mercy Ships (http://apo-opa.co/3DwrZ6S)
