Freetown – In 2024, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) made a significant impact in sub-Saharan Africa, providing transformative healthcare and training, while achieving noteworthy milestones in its mission to deliver free surgical care and strengthen local healthcare infrastructure.

With the support of its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy, the organization touched the lives of thousands by combining direct medical services with education, training, and advocacy initiatives, partnering with governments for sustainable solutions.

The Africa Mercy arrives in the Port of Toamasina in Tamatave Madagascar (Source: Mercy Ships)

Throughout the year, Mercy Ships conducted over 2,280 surgeries and performed more than 3,690 surgical procedures. Their dental teams provided care to over 2,040 patients, completing more than 9,090 dental procedures through upwards of 3,600 visits.

Additionally, over 250 healthcare professionals participated in various training programs, collectively accumulating more than 42,550 hours of education.

This dual-vessel approach enabled Mercy Ships to expand its reach, bringing services to Sierra Leone and Madagascar, while also reinforcing the healthcare system in Guinea.

These achievements came about through the dedication of more than 1,700 international volunteers and over 670 local day crew members.

Training Healthcare Professionals

Capacity-building initiatives, conducted in partnership with host countries, included specialized programs such as the Nurse Anesthesia Diploma, which trained 20 specialists from diverse regions of Sierra Leone to address critical needs in anesthetic care.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for the healthcare system in the country.

Sierra Leone faces significant challenges, with only 0.7 doctors, 2.04 nurses, and 0.02 dentists per 10,000 people, as reported by the World Health Organization (http://apo-opa.co/4gR2mvQ).

Many individuals needing surgical care struggle with prohibitive costs, further limiting their access to essential treatments.

Partnership with Local Governments is Key to Creating Long-Term Impact

In Madagascar, the availability of healthcare professionals is also limited, with just 1.76 doctors, 2.92 nurses, and 0.08 dentists per 10,000 people for a population exceeding 31 million.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for capacity-building programs and free surgical care.

“Our collaboration with local governments is vital for creating long-lasting effects,” remarked Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education at Mercy Ships.

“Such programs empower local professionals to provide essential care to their communities.”

Stories of Transformation

Individuals such as Delphin, a farmer from Madagascar, and Fudia, a young girl from Sierra Leone, embody the profound impact of Mercy Ships.

Delphin received surgery to remove a debilitating goiter, allowing him to return to his family and work. “My life has returned to normal,” he stated.

“I can work in the field again.”

For 10-year-old Fudia, corrective surgery for her bowed legs provided not only physical healing but also a renewed sense of joy.

“Her friends used to tease her,” her aunt shared.

“Now, she is happy and plays with her friends.”

Inspired by her experience, Fudia dreams of becoming a doctor.

Mercy Ships also marked a significant accomplishment in Guinea in 2024.

In September, Guinea’s sole public dental school, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC), opened a state-of-the-art training facility, doubling its capacity to train future dentists.

The Global Mercy arrives at the Port of Freetown Sierra Leone (Source: Mercy Ships) 

With the backing of Mercy Ships, this expansion enables over 210 students to acquire hands-on training using advanced tools, including simulation stations and a CBCT scanning machine.

This initiative addresses the critical shortage of dental professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since partnering with Mercy Ships in 2018, UGANC has transformed its approach to dental education, establishing sustainable strategies for Guinea and neighboring nations.

Opening Dental Training Center at the University of Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (Source: Mercy Ships)

Students from across Africa, including Sierra Leone, Benin, and Madagascar, are now benefiting from these initiatives, furthering the mission to improve access to essential dental care in the region.

The impressive feats and goals accomplished in 2024 were made possible by dedicated volunteers who traveled from 69 nations, serving in diverse roles from surgeons to engineers.

A patient smiles after treatment at the newly completed University of Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry Dental School Clinic

Volunteers like Merryl Mackenzie, an operating room nurse from Australia, and Ishaka Sesay, a maritime crew member from Sierra Leone, exemplify the organization’s commitment to compassion and service.

As Mercy Ships moves forward, the organization invites more volunteers to join its mission of bringing hope and healing to underserved communities.

With two vessels actively in operation, the potential for impact in 2025 is enormous.

Learn more about How To Get Involved – Mercy Ships (http://apo-opa.co/3DwrZ6S)