Mercy Ships Extends Partnership with Sierra Leone Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone and international charity Mercy Ships have officially extended their partnership, announcing that the Global Mercy hospital ship will continue to serve in Freetown until June 2026. This marks the charity’s third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone and its eighth visit to the country since 1992, showcasing a strong commitment to providing life-changing surgical healthcare to those in need.
Since its arrival in Freetown in August 2023, the Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has performed over 2,470 free surgeries and trained more than 230 healthcare professionals. These efforts align with Sierra Leone’s national healthcare priorities to improve access to essential surgical care and enhance the capacity of the healthcare workforce.
An extension to the protocol agreement has been signed, reflecting a deepened collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Sierra Leonean government to support lasting change in the country’s healthcare system through 2030. This partnership aims to create a sustainable impact on the surgical care system in Sierra Leone, long after the ship departs in 2026.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, and Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, both emphasized the trust and collaboration that underlie this partnership. Dr. Demby expressed his gratitude for the empathy and service that Mercy Ships provides to the people of Sierra Leone, while Mr. Kabba highlighted the hope that more beneficiaries will receive life-changing surgeries over the next five years.
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone Country Director, expressed her delight in continuing to provide surgeries and training onboard the ship for an additional 10 months. The partnership with the government of Sierra Leone aims to make a long-lasting impact on the surgical care system, with educational initiatives and training programs for healthcare professionals.
Mercy Ships partners with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to foster long-term developments in the country’s surgical care system. Educational initiatives include sponsoring dental students in Guinea and training programs for nurses in perioperative care, anesthesia, and sterile processing.
In 2024, Mercy Ships received accreditation from the West African College of Surgeons, allowing surgical and anesthesia residents to undergo placements aboard the Global Mercy to complement their in-country training programs. The partnership between Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone is set to bring about significant improvements in the healthcare system and provide access to life-changing surgical care for years to come.
For more information about Mercy Ships and their partnership with Sierra Leone, visit www.MercyShips.org.
