By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – International charity Mercy Ships is set to return to Sierra Leone in August 2025, resuming its mission to provide free surgical care and medical training following a scheduled maintenance period.
The Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, departed Sierra Leone for Cadiz, Spain, for maintenance but will return to continue its long-term partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to strengthen surgical services and medical education, ensuring sustainability beyond the ship’s departure in June 2026.
Since first arriving in August 2023, the Global Mercy has performed over 3,630 free surgeries and trained more than 290 healthcare professionals, offering on-ship clinical training for Sierra Leoneans.
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure. She highlighted the continued partnership with the government, aiming for lasting impact through 2030.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, praised Mercy Ships for its transformational contributions to public health, emphasizing its role in improving access to free surgical services and enhancing healthcare capacity.
In addition to surgeries, Mercy Ships is involved in strengthening local healthcare systems through:
- Nurse anaesthesia training at the University of Sierra Leone to address the shortage of anaesthesia providers.
- Partnerships with Connaught Hospital through the Safer Surgery Programme, improving patient care.
- Scholarships for Sierra Leonean students studying dental education at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Guinea.
Upcoming Patient Registration
Registration for the next phase of free surgeries will take place from June 17–19, with a follow-up period from June 24–26. All cases will be screened by a surgeon before confirmation. Patients are advised to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines, including Mpox safety protocols, and to avoid attending registration on the first day to prevent overcrowding.
This marks the third consecutive field service of the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone and its eighth visit since 1992, reinforcing a decades-long partnership dedicated to expanding surgical care for those most in need.