By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
Sierra Leone celebrated the return of the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, during a Host Partners Welcome Event at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown. The event was attended by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, government officials, healthcare leaders, and international partners.
After a brief maintenance period in Cádiz, Spain, the Global Mercy has docked for its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone. Over the next ten months, it aims to deliver specialized surgical care, mentorship, and training designed to strengthen the country’s healthcare systems.
In his address, Matt Murray, Managing Director of Mercy Ships, expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s longstanding partnership, noting that it is the organization’s most frequently visited country, with eight missions since 1991. “This collaboration brings hope and healing through surgeries, training, and capacity building,” Murray stated. “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 and enhance surgical systems.”
Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director of Mercy Ships Sierra Leone, highlighted significant achievements since the Global Mercy began its service in 2023, including over 3,630 free surgeries and more than 63,000 training hours for over 290 healthcare workers. She commended the Ministry of Health’s leadership and expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for endorsing the ship’s third mission term. “The SAFER Surgery programme at Connaught Hospital has reduced infection rates from 16% to 9%,” Dr. Lako noted. “With patients now selected from ten districts, we are prepared to continue delivering expert care.”
During his keynote speech, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the significance of this partnership, thanking Mercy Ships for restoring hope to thousands of Sierra Leoneans through transformative surgeries. He praised the organization’s global vision of hope and dignity, emphasizing that its mission aligns with the government’s healthcare priorities, including workforce strengthening, infrastructure development, and improving medical diagnostics.
Dr. Jalloh assured Mercy Ships and its partners of the government’s full commitment to the mission’s success. The ship’s ten-month stay will involve international volunteers collaborating with Sierra Leonean professionals to provide specialized surgeries and training programs. Acting Minister of Health Dr. Charles Senesie applauded Mercy Ships for supporting national initiatives in maternal and child health, highlighting advancements like a real-time pregnancy reporting system and solarized hospitals. “Our comprehensive healthcare plan ensures that no Sierra Leonean is left behind,” Dr. Senesie declared.
Steve Purdon, Hospital Director of the Global Mercy, detailed the ship’s seven surgical specialties, from orthopaedic to ophthalmology, supported by 26 departments and an international volunteer crew. He shared inspiring patient stories, including that of a young boy from Kenema who can now play football after receiving 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, outlining initiatives like the Nurse Anaesthesia Diploma programme and dental education abroad. “These programs equip Sierra Leoneans 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 marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare transformation, driven by strong local leadership and enduring international partnerships.
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