Celebrating Another Year of Transformative Impact
In 2024, Mercy Ships delivered life-changing healthcare and training across sub-Saharan Africa, marking significant milestones in its mission to provide free surgical care and build capacity within local healthcare systems.
Through its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy™ and the Africa Mercy®, the organization impacted thousands of lives by combining direct medical services with Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programs by partnering with governments for lasting impact.
Patients like Delphin, a farmer from Madagascar, and Fudia, a young girl from Sierra Leone, are two individuals out of many that represent the far-reaching impact of Mercy Ships.
Delphin received surgery to remove a debilitating goiter, allowing him to return to his family and work. “My life is back to normal,” he said. “I can work in the field again.”
For 10-year-old Fudia, surgery to straighten her bowed legs meant physical healing and also emotional restoration. “Her friends used to mock her,” said her aunt. “Now, she is joyful and plays with her friends.” Inspired by her own journey, Fudia now aspires to become a doctor.
Delphin and Fudia’s operations were just two of the more than 4,740 surgical procedures performed in 2024. Dental teams provided care to over 2,900 patients, completing more than 13,310 dental procedures. Additionally, 923 healthcare professionals from eight African nations participated in training programs, collectively receiving 159,727 hours of education.
The dual-ship approach also allowed Mercy Ships to expand its reach, providing services in Sierra Leone and Madagascar while helping to strengthen Guinea’s healthcare system.
