Sierra Leone President Praises Mercy Ships After Three Years of Healthcare Support
After three years of delivering surgical care and dental treatment in Sierra Leone, Mercy Ships’ hospital ship Global Mercy has completed its mission in the country. While the vessel has departed, Mercy Ships will continue supporting local healthcare systems through training and mentoring programmes for healthcare professionals.
“We are proud of this partnership,” said Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, while Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby described Global Mercy as “more than a hospital on the water; it is a gift from heaven.”
Between 2023 and 2026, 5,070 patients received 5,590 surgical procedures aboard the vessel, while 18,250 dental treatments were carried out. At the same time, approximately 600 local healthcare workers received training to strengthen the country’s long-term medical capacity.
The mission was supported by a local crew and around 2,500 volunteers from 75 countries, including surgeons, nurses, dentists, engineers, and other maritime and healthcare professionals required to operate the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
Global Mercy has now sailed to the Canary Islands for annual maintenance before heading to Ghana in August, where it will continue providing surgeries for conditions including cataracts, cleft lip and palate, tumours, and disabling deformities.
Although the ship has left Sierra Leone, Mercy Ships’ impact will continue through ongoing education and mentoring programmes for local healthcare workers, helping to ensure that the improvements achieved over the last three years remain sustainable.
During the farewell ceremony in Freetown, President Bio highlighted the lasting impact of the mission:
“The ship is leaving us, but the legacy remains.”
He added:
“We are very proud of this partnership. You leave behind a stronger healthcare system with skilled professionals, as well as stronger and happier communities.”
Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby also praised the project:
“It is more than a hospital on the water; it is a symbol of hope and healing, demonstrating what is possible when humanity comes together to serve those who need it most.”
Source: Mercy Ships and the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone.
