With a population of almost 8.5 million, Sierra Leone only has 0.7 doctors for every 10,000 people, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The density of nurses in the country is 2.04 for every 10,000, worsening each year. When it comes to dentists, the average only comes out to 0.02 for every 10,000.
In Madagascar, it’s a similar situation. Delphin, a 52-year-old farmer, husband, and father of six, had been burdened by a growing goiter for the past 18 years. He didn’t have the financial means for surgery, and the debilitating condition that restricted his breathing made it difficult for him to provide for his family.
“The work he could do diminished, and people talked down about him in the community,” said his wife, Juliette. “It was heavy for us.” For every 10,000 Malagasy, only 1.76 doctors, 2.92 nurses, and 0.08 dentists are available. With a population of over 31 million, there was little hope for Delphin to find the healing he needed.
A country’s medical facilities could be up to date, their tools could be state-of-the-art, but the number of local medical professionals certified to bring hope, and healing is still just a drop in the vast ocean of people who are searching for it.
Not to mention that a 2021 study taking place in four sub-Saharan African nations like Sierra Leone found that 60-90% of patients in need of surgery would face “catastrophic” costs if they went through with the operation.
Until more trained medical professionals enter the local healthcare system, the only solution for many in immediate need is safe, free surgical care. This is what Mercy Ships strives to provide.
Double the Ships, Double the Impact
By the end of 2024, Mercy Ships had provided surgery for more than 2,070 unique surgical patients on board the Global Mercy™ in Freetown, Sierra Leone and the Africa Mercy® in Toamasina, Madagascar. These Direct Medical Services (DMS) were possible thanks to more than 1,700 skilled volunteers from 69 countries, and over 670 Sierra Leonean and Malagasy national day crew. With two hospital ships in service at the same time, Mercy Ships was able to positively impact more families and communities than ever before, and those numbers are expected to rise in the coming year.
In addition to DMS, Mercy Ships was monitoring multiple active Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programs across Madagascar, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. These programs are designed to train local medical professionals in partnership with a country’s governments, so that more patients have access to hope and healing without waiting months or even years for a Mercy Ship to return.
One of these programs was the Nurse Anaesthesia Program in Sierra Leone, which trained an initial 20 nurse specialists in anaesthetic care, when the current data shows that there is only 1 anaesthesiologist per 10,000 people in Sierra Leone.
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone is crucial for developing long-term solutions to the healthcare challenges here,” said Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education at Mercy Ships. “The Nurse Anaesthesia Diploma Program was specifically requested by our partners at the Ministry of Health, recognising the urgent need for more trained anaesthesia providers in government hospitals.”
In 2024, Mercy Ships provided more than 129,000 hours of training for over 900 healthcare professionals both on and off the vessels. This is how lasting change is made possible for those who need it most.
Expanding Hope and Improving Healthcare
Without volunteers, the work Mercy Ships does to partner with host nations and offer free surgical care and training wouldn’t be possible. From surgeons to nurses to engineers to hospitality, our capable crew has come from all over the world to contribute their passions and skills in bringing healing to the people of sub-Saharan Africa.
One of whom is Merryl Mackenzie. She began her journey with Mercy Ships in 2007 when she left Australia to serve as an operating room nurse in Ghana. Inspired by a childhood dream and driven by faith, she worked alongside volunteer surgeon Dr. Gary Parker on maxillofacial surgeries. After multiple short-term missions, including in Togo and Liberia, Merryl became increasingly passionate about providing surgical care to children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions lack access to safe surgery. Having experienced the challenges of obtaining medical care for her own daughter, Merryl was determined to help bridge the gap.
Ishaka Sesay, a volunteer assistant bosun on the Global Mercy, proudly represented his home country of Sierra Leone. Ishaka worked with the ‘Believe and See’ charity in Togo, where he sterilised medical equipment for eye surgeries and later earned a Diploma in Agriculture. In 2018, Ishaka obtained maritime safety training and joined the Africa Mercy in Guinea. “It was a big experience,” he said. “Now, I’m serving my own people. There is no joy greater than that.”
Mercy Ships volunteers are not just experienced in their professions; they come eager to work through hardship and uncertainty to bless the lives of those who come seeking relief. They sacrifice much for the well-being of their fellow man; people whom they barely know but oftentimes come to love. Their commitment and compassion are felt in the lives of many for years to come.
A Far-Reaching Impact
Patients like Delphin were given a new way forward – one they always dreamed was possible but now, it’s their reality.
Following the removal of his goiter, Delphin was able to return to his family with renewed confidence and the ability to live his life without unnecessary pain. “I am healed,” he rejoiced. “My life is back to normal, and I can work in the field.
Mercy Ships was able to make transformative hope and healing possible for not only Delphin, but many others like them during 2024. It’s truly a joint effort thanks to our partner nations, compassionate volunteers, and people like you. We’re grateful for your prayers and support as we continue to chart a course together in 2025 and beyond.
With a two-ship fleet, Mercy Ships and its partner nations have the opportunity to continue making an impact in 2025, but volunteers are needed now more than ever. Do you have the heart and hands to become a Mercy Shipper? Take a leap of faith and find your place on board!
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