The Ministry of Well being of Sierra Leone and worldwide charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) have reaffirmed their partnership, asserting that the World Mercy™ hospital ship will stay in Freetown by June 2026.
This marks the charity’s third consecutive subject service in Sierra Leone and its eighth go to to the nation since 1992, underscoring a shared dedication between the 2 events in making certain entry to life-changing surgical healthcare for many who want it most.
As well as, an extension to the protocol settlement has additionally been signed reflecting a deepened collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Sierra Leonean authorities to assist lasting change within the nation’s healthcare system by 2030—lengthy after the ship is because of depart in 2026.
Since its arrival in Freetown in August 2023, the World Mercy – the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship – has offered over 2,470 free surgical procedures and educated greater than 230 healthcare professionals. These efforts align with Sierra Leone’s nationwide healthcare priorities to enhance entry to important surgical care and construct capability throughout the healthcare workforce.
The protocol addendum was signed by Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Well being, and Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of International Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation, each of whom emphasised the belief and collaboration underpinning this partnership.
Dr. Demby mentioned: “I feel what Mercy Ships has demonstrated is what empathy does for you within the service of individuals. You see it within the smiles, not simply of the sufferers, however of the sufferers’ households and kin who come to witness the transformation of their family members.”
Mr. Kabba, Minister of International Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation, added: “Over the subsequent 5 years, we’re hopeful that the variety of beneficiaries will improve, and that Sierra Leoneans can be made healthful to pursue their God-given alternatives.”
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone Nation Director, mentioned: “We’re delighted to proceed offering life-changing surgical procedures and coaching on board the ship for an extra 10 months. As well as, our 5-year settlement with the federal government of Sierra Leone affirms our joint dedication to make a long-lasting impression on the surgical care system, and we sit up for seeing the ripple impact this sustained partnership brings.”
Mercy Ships companions with the Ministry of Well being and the College of Sierra Leone to foster long-term developments for the nation’s surgical care system. Instructional initiatives embody sponsoring Sierra Leonean dental college students on the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry in Guinea, with graduates dedicated to bolstering Sierra Leone’s restricted dental workforce. Coaching packages for nurses have centered on perioperative care, anaesthesia, and sterile processing.
In 2024, Mercy Ships acquired accreditation from the West African School of Surgeons, permitting surgical and anesthesia residents to undertake placements aboard the World Mercy to enrich their in-country coaching packages.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
Media contact:
Mercy Ships
Sophie Barnett
Mercy Ships Worldwide PR Supervisor
E-mail: International.media@mercyships.org
Web site: https://apo-opa.co/3PYwV7A
Sierra Leone Ministry of Well being
Abdul S. Brima/James T. Kallay
E-mail: communications@mohs.gov.sl
Web site: https://MOHS.gov.sl/
Go to www.MercyShips.org for extra data.
