Mercy Ships is preparing for the next wave of life-changing surgeries and education in Madagascar! The Africa Mercy® is slated to return to the port city of Toamasina in February 2025 to continue her work in delivering free surgical care after she departs for her Annual Maintenance Period (AMP) in Durban, South Africa.
In September 2024, the Malagasy government renewed its partnership with Mercy Ships, enabling the hospital ship to continue providing life-saving surgeries and medical training through the upcoming year.
During the most recent field service ending in November 2024, an extensive strategy was implemented to ensure the reach of Mercy Ships’ services, registering patients across 12 of the country’s diverse regions.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships performed more than 1,090 surgical procedures, ranging from goiters to bowed legs, dental to cataracts, and much more. In addition, more than 4,470 dental procedures have been performed, giving many Malagasy people important oral care that’s rarely accessible in their communities.
Among the many patients who have received life-changing surgery this year is Fidisoa, a construction worker and rice farmer. The 53-year-old can sleep comfortably on his back for the first time in 15 years after having a massive tumour – weighing 11lbs (5kgs) – removed from his back on June 7 on the hospital ship. After the four-hour surgery, Fidisoa’s family were eagerly waiting outside the operating room and were elated to see the tumour was gone.
Mercy Ships will also continue training and mentoring healthcare professionals in Madagascar through Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programs. In 2024, there were more than 45 unique ETA participants with more than 6,800 training hours combined, including the training of Malagasy dental students in Guinea. Through collaboration with local partners and the ETA programs, Mercy Ships is committed to creating positive, lasting change throughout the country for years to come.
While the Africa Mercy is experiencing her required AMP, Mercy Ships will remain present in Madagascar. The patient selection process is slated to begin in January 2025 in 12 regions of the country. This will ensure a smooth transition for patients when the hospital ship returns in February.
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