Global Mercy Returns to Sierra Leone for Free Surgeries and Training
The Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, has docked in Freetown for its third consecutive mission to Sierra Leone, further strengthening its partnership with the Government to improve access to safe surgical care and enhance medical training.
Operated by the international charity Mercy Ships, the vessel will spend ten months in the country, offering free specialist surgeries and collaborating with local hospitals to bolster surgical systems. The return follows a short maintenance period in Cádiz, Spain.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, hailed the initiative, saying: “Mercy Ships is doing two critical things for us: delivering much-needed surgical services to our people, and training our healthcare workers in core principles of patient care and surgery. This is about providing essential services today while leaving a lasting legacy for the future.”
Since 2023, the Global Mercy has performed more than 3,630 free surgeries for over 3,240 people in Sierra Leone. Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programmes have also provided over 63,000 hours of training to more than 290 Sierra Leonean health professionals.
Suzanne Thomas, Mercy Ships’ Director of Education, Training, and Advocacy, said: “We are delighted to expand learning opportunities on board the Global Mercy and to continue supporting service development at Connaught Hospital and accredited training through the University of Sierra Leone.”
Dr Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships’ Country Director for Sierra Leone, underscored the long-term impact: “Our return reflects a shared vision with the Ministry of Health to bridge the gap in surgical capacity. Alongside delivering free, safe surgeries, we are committed to strengthening surgical care systems through training and collaboration.”
The upcoming phase of operations will include maxillofacial, head and neck, paediatric, orthopaedic, plastic reconstructive, general, and ophthalmic surgeries. The ship’s team of international volunteers will work alongside Sierra Leonean medical staff to transform lives and build sustainable healthcare capacity.
