Friday 29 January2021: In a gesture of solidarity, PPE shipments are in process of being sent to 11 partner nations by Mercy Ships in coordination with the charity’s European Distribution Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Shipments are destined for Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designated for distribution by Ministries of Health for each nation’s ongoing battle to continue medical care and keep healthcare workers safe.

The Ministry of Health in Conakry, Guinea took delivery in early January of a donation of PPE from Mercy Ships including 16,000 items valued at more than $100,000 USD, thanks to the partner donation of shipping and port coordination provided through the MSC Foundation, part of the MSC Group. Acknowledging the delivery were Mr Fode Doumbouya, Human Resources & Administration Manager MSC Guinee and David Ugai, Mercy Ships Guinea Country Director on behalf of the charity.

Liberian health ministry representatives joined the Honorable Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, Minister of Health MD, MPH, CHES, FLCP, FWACP and Keith Brinkman, Designated Country Director Liberia for a similar handover end of January in Monrovia, Liberia.

“We are happy that you are able to provide all of these materials to us as well as our other neighbouring countries for them to continue the fight against COVID as we do the same thing. Everything that we have received here today will be used for the intended purpose to protect the healthcare workers and to fight against COVID-19. We want to thank the MSC Foundation to make sure that things arrive. We hope that we continue this great partnership…so we can together protect the lives of the Liberian people,’’ stated Dr Jallah.

The provision of this much-needed logistical support enables Mercy Ships to concentrate more of its resources to healthcare and training. The MSC Foundation has supported the work of Mercy Ships since 2011, with a special focus on Africa including participation with the Mercy Ships Cargo Day.

“Together with the MSC Group, the MSC Foundation has taken swift action since the beginning of the pandemic to provide prompt support worldwide to combat COVID-19 and help mitigate its impact on disadvantaged groups. Our efforts will continue for as long as the pandemic is a threat. At this critical time, we are happy to provide essential PPE to partners of Mercy Ships who bring hope and healing to thousands of people who lack access to safe, modern healthcare and surgical care,” stated Daniela Picco, Executive Director MSC Foundation

Each year, 16.9 million people die due to lack of access to surgical care, 93 per cent of whom stem from Africa. This partnership has helped Mercy Ships provide more than 18,000 life-changing surgeries in sub-Saharan and Central Africa according to spokespersons.

“For more than 30 years, Mercy Ships has stood shoulder to shoulder with our African partners to address the global surgery crisis. Throughout this battle with the pandemic, Mercy Ships continues to conduct online medical capacity training and support ongoing projects with partners on the ground. We are committed for our ship to return to help strengthen healthcare systems within West and Central Africa, as soon as the global situation allows,” stated Dr Pierre M’Pele, Africa Bureau Director for Mercy Ships.

This is the second round of PPE donated, with the first round being in spring 2020.

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About MSC Foundation

The non-profit MSC Foundation implements the MSC Group’s marine conservation, humanitarian and sustainable development commitments worldwide, utilising MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea as the second-largest container shipping company in the world to protect and nurture our blue planet, its peoples and our shared cultural heritage.

Concentrating on four areas: The Environment, Community Support, Education and Emergency Relief.

The Foundation encourages the sustainable management and protection of ecosystems, empowers vulnerable communities around the world to realize their full potential, promotes quality, equitable and inclusive education to enhance durable individual and collective development, and helps disaster-struck populations toward recovery.

The Foundation works to achieve this both independently and/or together with partners: independently, by leveraging on MSC Group engagement in designing and managing projects, connecting communities, raising awareness and mobilizing the financial support of thousands of people; and together with trusted partners that have a strong innovative vision or track records for effective action.

For more information contact:

MSC Foundation
Daniela Picco
Chemin Rieu 12-14, 1208 Geneva, Switzerland
https://mscfoundation.org

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and treating more than 2.8 million direct beneficiaries. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 60 nations, with an average of over 1,200 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.au

For more information contact:

For Africa:

Dr Pierre M’Pele Director, Africa Bureau
Mercy Ships
Cotonou Benin
Tel: 229 (62) 38.79.79
[email protected]

For International:

Diane Rickard
Int’l Media Relations Manager
Mercy Ships
[email protected]