Hospital Ship Africa Mercy Returns to Madagascar to Enhance Surgical Care and Medical Training
The hospital ship Africa Mercy has returned to Madagascar, bringing hope to thousands in need of surgical care. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Mercy Ships has launched a ten-month initiative to provide free, life-changing surgeries and advanced medical training for Malagasy healthcare professionals.
Since its first mission in Madagascar in 1996, Mercy Ships has performed over 11,000 surgeries and delivered 65,000 dental treatments. With this new deployment, the Africa Mercy aims to conduct more than 1,375 surgeries and approximately 1,480 dental procedures, prioritizing the most vulnerable patients.
Additionally, Malagasy medical professionals will benefit from continuous training programs in surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and dental care, ensuring long-term healthcare improvements.
This initiative, supported by the Malagasy government, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Policy. Patients from 12 regions have already been selected, ensuring a focused and efficient approach to meeting the country’s critical surgical needs.
The partnership also emphasizes public-private collaboration, with government ministries, including Public Health, Foreign Affairs, and Economy and Finance, working alongside Mercy Ships to strengthen Madagascar’s healthcare infrastructure.
The Africa Mercy, a state-of-the-art floating hospital, offers specialized surgical services, including Maxillofacial surgery, Ophthalmic surgery, Reconstructive Plastic surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic surgery, and General surgery. In addition to direct medical care, the ship’s mission fosters knowledge transfer, empowering Madagascar’s healthcare system and reducing medical disparities.
Mercy Ships’ continued presence underscores the country’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare. With this mission, Madagascar is making significant strides toward strengthening its healthcare system, prioritizing human capital development, and ensuring sustainable healthcare advancements for future generations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
