By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, D.S
Mercy Ships has departed from the shores for a scheduled maintenance period in Cadiz, Spain, with plans to return in August. The ship will continue to deliver specialized surgical care until its final departure in June 2026.
According to a joint press release from the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships, a dedicated team will remain on the ground to collaborate with Mercy Ships in strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce and surgical care system through 2030. This initiative aligns with the government’s national priorities to enhance access to essential surgical care and build medical capacity.
Since its arrival in Freetown in August 2023, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship has successfully performed over 3,630 free surgeries and provided training for more than 290 healthcare professionals, both on board and on land. Each week, between four and eight Sierra Leonean participants received training aboard the ship.
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, expressed optimism about the ship’s return, stating, “We look forward to the ship’s return in August as we continue to partner with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to strengthen surgical care. Even after the ship departs in 2026, our agreement with the government underscores a shared commitment to lasting impact through 2030. We’re already witnessing the ripple effect of this sustained partnership in action.”
Patient registration for the upcoming phase of surgeries is scheduled for June 17-19 and June 24-26. Mercy Ships encourages prospective patients to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines regarding Mpox safety measures and to help alleviate overcrowding by avoiding the first day of registration. All cases will undergo review by a surgeon before surgery confirmation.
When the Global Mercy returns in August 2025, it will mark the charity’s third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone and its eighth visit since 1992, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at improving access to safe surgical care for those in need. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, praised the partnership with Mercy Ships, calling it life-transforming for the people of Sierra Leone. He affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative, stating, “We look forward to the next field service and will provide all the support necessary to ensure more Sierra Leoneans benefit from their assistance.”
Mercy Ships is also collaborating with the University of Sierra Leone to deliver a nurse anaesthesia diploma course, addressing the country’s shortage of anaesthesia providers. The long-term goal is to have Sierra Leonean faculty lead this program to ensure a sustainable increase in qualified professionals.
Additionally, Mercy Ships continues its partnership with Connaught Hospital through the Safer Surgery programme, which focuses on strengthening surgical teams and achieving measurable improvements in patient care. Support for dental education will persist through the sponsorship of Sierra Leonean dental students studying at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Guinea, in collaboration with the University of Sierra Leone.
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