Mercy Ships–Senegal Partnership Brings Lifesaving Surgery to More Patients
Mercy Ships Chief Executive Officer Dr Michelle White has met Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, to discuss strengthening the long-standing partnership between the humanitarian organisation and the Senegalese government.
The high-level meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Dakar and focused on future collaboration aligned with national healthcare priorities and long-term surgical system development.
The discussions build on a formal protocol agreement that has underpinned cooperation between both parties for nearly a decade and runs through to 2027.
During her visit, Dr White also held talks with Senegal’s Minister of Health, Dr Ibrahima Sy, and the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fatou Gaye Ngom. These engagements reaffirmed Mercy Ships’ commitment to close coordination with government institutions and regional partners.
A key outcome of the meeting was a shared interest in facilitating the return of a Mercy Ships hospital vessel to Senegal as soon as feasible, alongside sustained Medical Capacity Building initiatives.
Both sides also explored expanding cooperation in healthcare infrastructure, innovation in service delivery, and regional engagement across West Africa.
The talks were held against the backdrop of Mercy Ships’ ongoing field commitments, including the planned return of the Africa Mercy to Madagascar in April 2026, and the completion of the Global Mercy mission in Sierra Leone ahead of its scheduled deployment to Ghana in August 2026.
Central to Mercy Ships’ long-term presence in Senegal is the Africa Service Center, which supports operations across the continent while strengthening coordination with national authorities and healthcare partners.
“The Africa Service Center embodies our commitment to being present, accountable and rooted on the continent,” Dr White said, noting that the centre strengthens African leadership within the organisation and supports locally led, sustainable surgical systems.
Further steps to deepen the partnership will be determined through continued dialogue between Mercy Ships and the Government of Senegal.
