Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone welcomed the return of the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown during a Host Partners Welcome Event attended by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, government officials, healthcare leaders, and international partners.
The vessel, operated by Mercy Ships, has docked for its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone following a brief maintenance in Cádiz, Spain. Over the next ten months, it will provide specialized surgical care, mentoring, and training to strengthen the country’s healthcare systems.
In his address, Matt Murray, Managing Director of Mercy Ships, expressed gratitude for Sierra Leone’s enduring partnership, noting that the nation remains the organization’s most visited country with eight missions since 1991.
“This collaboration brings hope and healing through surgeries, training, and capacity building,” Murray said. “True success lies in working alongside Sierra Leone’s resilient leaders and people to improve healthcare access. Together, we will deliver thousands of life-changing surgeries, strengthen surgical systems, and train health professionals.”
Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director of Mercy Ships Sierra Leone, highlighted the tangible impact since the Global Mercy began service in 2023, including over 3,630 free surgeries and 63,000 training hours for more than 290 healthcare workers. She praised the Ministry of Health’s leadership and extended gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for approving the ship’s third term.
“The SAFER Surgery programme at Connaught Hospital cut infection rates from 16% to 9%,” Dr. Lako revealed. “Education initiatives are also transforming healthcare, from nurse anaesthesia training to dental education abroad. With patients now selected from 10 districts, we are ready to continue delivering expert care.”
Delivering the keynote, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the national importance of the partnership, thanking Mercy Ships for restoring hope to thousands of Sierra Leoneans through transformative surgeries and training.
He praised Mercy Global’s vision of hope and restoring dignity, noting that the organization has improved millions of lives worldwide and performed over 3,600 surgeries in Sierra Leone during its last two visits. He highlighted that Mercy Ships’ mission aligns with the government’s healthcare priorities, including workforce strengthening, infrastructure development, drug and equipment availability, and world-class diagnostics.
Dr. Jalloh stressed that the ship’s work will not only deliver life-saving surgeries but also help build sustainable health systems. He cited national progress such as a 79% reduction in maternal mortality, increased health worker recruitment, and modernization of medical facilities, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s ambition to become a hub for medical training in West Africa.
The Vice President assured Mercy Global and partners of the government’s full commitment to ensuring a successful mission. The ship’s ten-month stay will see international volunteers working alongside Sierra Leonean professionals to deliver specialized surgeries, training, and capacity-building programs.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Acting Minister Dr. Charles Senesie commended Mercy Ships for complementing national progress in maternal and child health. He highlighted innovations such as a real-time pregnancy reporting system, solarized hospitals, digitalized medical records, and improved pandemic preparedness.
“Our comprehensive healthcare plan ensures that no Sierra Leonean is left behind,” Dr. Senesie said. “Partnerships like this accelerate our journey toward zero preventable maternal deaths.”
Steve Purdon, Hospital Director of the Global Mercy, detailed the ship’s seven surgical specialties from orthopaedic and reconstructive surgeries to ophthalmology and palliative care supported by 26 departments and an international volunteer crew. He shared stories of patients whose lives had been transformed, including a young boy from Kenema now able to play football after orthopaedic surgery.
“This ship is more than steel and structure it is a living expression of mercy in motion,” Purdon said.
Suzanne Thomas, Training and Advocacy Director, emphasized education as a cornerstone of Mercy Ships’ mission. She outlined initiatives such as the Nurse Anaesthesia Diploma programme, dental education abroad, and the SAFER Surgery programme at Connaught Hospital.
“These programs equip Sierra Leoneans like Usman, a trainee anaesthetist, and Abdul, a dental student, to address critical shortages and build sustainable healthcare capacity,” Thomas explained.
The event concluded with prayers led by Ibrahim Bangura, an Able Seafarer aboard the Global Mercy, followed by an optional guided tour of the vessel.
The return of the Global Mercy underscores Sierra Leone’s growing healthcare transformation, built on strong local leadership and enduring international partnerships.
For the next ten months, the ship will continue to restore dignity and provide life-changing medical care carrying forward a mission of hope, healing, and lasting impact.
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