The Global Mercy™ is serving in Sierra Leone from August 2023 to June 2024. The Africa Mercy® will be in Madagascar from February to December 2024. Surgical slots for Sierra Leone have all been filled. In Madagascar, Mercy Ships is working with the government to inform the public about selection events.
The Global Mercy™ is serving in Sierra Leone from August 2023 to June 2024. The Africa Mercy® will be in Madagascar from February to December 2024. Surgical slots for Sierra Leone have all been filled. In Madagascar, Mercy Ships is working with the government to inform the public about selection events.

Meet the First Patient to Receive Surgery in Sierra Leone

“Let us look into the future and make the future better than the past.”

Dr. Pierre M’Pelé, Mercy Ships Africa Bureau Director

Celebrating 30 years of partnership
– and looking ahead to the future

You’re invited to be a part of a historic moment as
Mercy Ships gathers with the nations of Africa
to create a roadmap for safer surgery by 2030.

Celebrating 30 years of partnership – and looking ahead to the future

You’re invited to be a part of a historic moment as Mercy Ships gathers with the nations of Africa to create a roadmap for safer surgery by 2030.

Double the Hope.

Double the Impact.

Announcing the Global Mercy™, a ship
designed to transform even more lives.

Double the Hope.

Double the Impact.

Announcing the
Global Mercy™, a ship
designed to transform even more lives.

Mercy Ships Africa

Delivering life changing surgeries and sustainable healthcare for those who need it most.

Mercy Ships Africa

Delivering life changing surgeries and sustainable healthcare for those who need it most.

Mercy Ships Africa

Building the future of safe surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care in Africa

May 4 – 5: Expert Scientific Meeting

May 6: African Minister of Health Summit

Mercy Ships Africa

Building the future of safe surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care in Africa

May 4 – 5: Expert Scientific Meeting

May 6: African Minister of Health Summit

Mercy Ships appoints Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli as Mercy Ships Diplomatic Ambassador for Africa

Mercy Ships is pleased to announce that Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli has been named in the newly created role of Diplomatic Ambassador for Africa. The appointment will support the activation of strategic partnerships with governments, diplomatic entities, communities/social organizations that build awareness, engagement, and create opportunities for Mercy Ships engagement.

“This role will involve implementing and nurturing diplomatic agreements with African governments and regions, working with the Africa Bureau Director Dr. Pierre M’Pele, helping us to foster new relationships and strengthen existing relationships across the continent,” shared CEO, Gert van de Weerdhof.

“I am both honored and excited to assume this new role with Mercy Ships. It reflects both the extraordinary growth and recognizable impact of Mercy Ships as a strategic complement to Africa’s Safe Surgery and Medical capacity development as a Partner of Choice. In this role, I intend to deepen and expand our relationship using my skills and considerable experience to the best of my God given ability,” stated Dr. Tuakli.

After more than 30 years of partnership and service focused entirely on Africa, this appointment comes at a time of great momentum for not only Mercy Ships, but healthcare systems in Africa as a whole. On the heels of an International Symposium and Dakar Declaration earlier this year, several countries in Africa are focusing on action plans to improve access to surgical, obstetric, and anesthetic care by 2030.

Dr. Tuakli is a highly acclaimed Pediatrician and Reproductive Health specialist. She is the Founder and Medical Director of CHILD Accra; a full-service clinic that provides clinical care and public health care services to children and their families across the West African region. She is an expert in public health and has a passion for improving healthcare and the lives of children and families throughout Africa.

As the first female Rotary president of the premier Anglophone club in Ghana, West Africa, Dr. Tuakli promoted legislation to protect the disabled, orphans and vulnerable children. Her work was hailed by the African Union in 2016 and she was elected to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. Recently, Dr. Tuakli retired from United Way Worldwide, where she was Chair of both the Membership and the Governance Committees before becoming the first female Chair of the International Board of Trustees.

As a highly respected social philanthropist, she has served on the Mercy Ships International Board for over 10 years and recently joined the Mercy Ships UK board. Dr Tuakli co-founded MOREMI Girls Leadership and has served as an Advisor to Nestle, the African Union, and other international organizations. She is a Board member of Zenith Bank and the Global Virus Network.

This past May, Dr. Tuakli had the privilege of officially christening the Global Mercy ™ during special inaugural ceremonies for Mercy Ships’ newest hospital ship, during Africa celebrations hosted by the HE President Macky Sall in Dakar Senegal.

Mercy Ships Returns to Sierra Leone for 2023 Field Service

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has been based exclusively in Africa, serving the nations of Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo.

Since more than 50% of the world’s population lives near the coast, our hospital ships are an efficient and effective way to bring state-of-the-art medical care to those with the greatest needs. But Mercy Ships offers more than life-changing surgeries. Teams on the ground also work extensively with local governments and medical leaders to strengthen surgical systems and invest in the next generation of healthcare workers.

While the Africa Mercy® undergoes an intensive refit in Durban, South Africa, the newly built Global Mercy™ is beginning her life of service in Africa. The Global Mercy arrived in Sierra Leone in August 2023 to begin a 10-month field service in the port of Freetown. Earlier in 2023, she served patients from both Senegal and The Gambia during a five-month service in Dakar.

With the additional capacity of a second ship, there is renewed excitement and historic momentum surrounding all that can be accomplished. Mercy Ships remains a trusted partner in the pursuit of a shared vision with the people of Africa. Ultimately, Mercy Ships seeks to fulfill its mission of bringing hope and healing and accelerating access for everyone to surgical care and surgical education.

Mercy Ships Returns to Dakar in 2023, Serving Senegal and The Gambia

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has been based exclusively in Africa, serving the nations of Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo.

Since more than 50% of the world’s population lives near a coast, our hospital ships are an efficient and effective way to bring state-of-the-art medical care to those with the greatest needs. But Mercy Ships offers more than life-changing surgeries.

While the Africa Mercy and the newly built Global Mercy sail from port to port, teams on the ground and at the Mercy Ships Africa Bureau in Benin continue to work with local governments and medical leaders to strengthen local surgical systems and invest in the next generation of healthcare workers.

2023 is an exciting year, as the Honorable Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, the Gambia’s Minister of Health, has signed a protocol agreement which will allow selected Gambian patients to be admitted for surgery while the Global Mercy is in Dakar.

With the additional capacity of a second ship, there is renewed excitement and historic momentum surrounding all that can be accomplished. Mercy Ships remains a trusted partner in the pursuit of a shared vision with the people of Africa. Ultimately, Mercy Ships seeks to fulfill its mission of bringing hope and healing.

The Africa Mercy is in Dakar, Senegal!

After sailing from Senegal in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Ships is overjoyed to announce the return of our fleet as of February 1st, 2022. The volunteer professionals of Mercy Ships are honored to partner with Senegal’s Ministry of Health by offering immediate surgical intervention aboard our ships. Together, we will share resources and training to build Senegal’s capacity and assist the Minister of Health to strengthen a dynamic national surgical plan.

Through our previous visit and ongoing work in Senegal, we know the existing healthcare system is filled with dedicated professionals who wish to serve their patients with the highest quality of care possible. Mercy Ships is excited to have returned with our vessels and continue elevating the standard of healthcare even higher.

Mercy Ships Returns to Dakar in 2023, Serving Senegal and The Gambia

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has been based exclusively in Africa, serving the nations of Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo.

Since more than 50% of the world’s population lives near a coast, our hospital ships are an efficient and effective way to bring state-of-the-art medical care to those with the greatest needs. But Mercy Ships offers more than life-changing surgeries.

While the Africa Mercy® and the newly built Global Mercy™ sail from port to port, teams on the ground and at the Mercy Ships Africa Bureau in Benin continue to work with local governments and medical leaders to strengthen local surgical systems and invest in the next generation of healthcare workers.

2023 is an exciting year, as the Honorable Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, The Gambia’s Minister of Health, has signed a protocol agreement which will allow selected Gambian patients to be admitted for surgery while the Global Mercy is in Dakar.

With the additional capacity of a second ship, there is renewed excitement and historic momentum surrounding all that can be accomplished. Mercy Ships remains a trusted partner in the pursuit of a shared vision with the people of Africa. Ultimately, Mercy Ships seeks to fulfill its mission of bringing hope and healing.

“…an extraordinary group of people from around the world who exemplify a unique expression of compassion…”

“Mercy Ships has shown great compassion on the Liberian people. I wish to thank all the volunteers on the ship who come from all over the world for their sacrifice and the comfort they have given…”

“I know I speak on the behalf of many, many millions of people when I say thank you very much to all of you for your dedication, for your caring…”

“…an extraordinary group of people from around the world who exemplify a unique expression of compassion…”

“Mercy Ships has shown great compassion on the Liberian people. I wish to thank all the volunteers on the ship who come from all over the world for their sacrifice and the comfort they have given…”

“I know I speak on the behalf of many, many millions of people when I say thank you very much to all of you for your dedication, for your caring…”

The Africa Mercy is in Dakar, Senegal!

After sailing from Senegal in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Ships is overjoyed to announce the return of our fleet as of February 1st, 2022. The volunteer professionals of Mercy Ships are honored to partner with Senegal’s Ministry of Health by offering immediate surgical intervention aboard our ships. Together, we will share resources and training to build Senegal’s capacity and assist the Minister of Health to strengthen a dynamic national surgical plan.

Through our previous visit and ongoing work in Senegal, we know the existing healthcare system is filled with dedicated professionals who wish to serve their patients with the highest quality of care possible. Mercy Ships is excited to have returned with our vessels and continue elevating the standard of healthcare even higher.

We believe that access to surgical care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

We believe that access to surgical care
is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Ask Us Anything

We are excited to share our story with you. We believe that a successful collaboration is based on mutual trust. By being transparent with local media and organizations and inviting them to learn more about our mission, we hope to build strong partnerships that will help us achieve our goals.

For this purpose, we have selected for you the most important facts and figures about Mercy Ships.

If you have any questions, please contact us using this form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Get in Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please be aware, we’re not taking any referrals through this form. Referrals through messages or email will not be received. Any other message we will try to respond to ASAP.

Ask Us Anything

We are excited to share our story with you. We believe that a successful collaboration is based on mutual trust. By being transparent with local media and organizations and inviting them to learn more about our mission, we hope to build strong partnerships that will help us achieve our goals.

For this purpose, we have selected for you the most important facts and figures about Mercy Ships.

If you have any questions, please contact us using this form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Get in Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please be aware, we’re not taking any referrals through this form. Referrals through messages or email will not be received. Any other message we will try to respond to ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercy Ships is invited by and works together with governments in Africa to provide safe surgical care and surgical education. Our new ship, the Global Mercy™, is serving in Sierra Leone from August 2023 to June 2024. The Africa Mercy® will be in Madagascar from February to December 2024.

Previously, the Global Mercy spent February through July 2023 in Dakar, serving patients from both Senegal and The Gambia from one port. During 2023, the Africa Mercy underwent an extensive refit in Durban, South Africa, to prepare her for many more years of service.

Mercy Ships field services are always conducted at the invitation of the host country’s government. Through a collaborative process, Mercy Ships and the nation’s government reach a five-year agreement that begins before the field service and lasts for years afterward. This long-term partnership includes preparation for the field service, and follow-up support once the ship has left. Once that agreement is finalized, an announcement will be made through Mercy Ships’ social media and online platforms, and by the country’s leadership.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Mercy Ships needs volunteer medical professionals, maritime officers and engineers, teachers, administrators, I.T. specialists, accountants, communication professionals, and so much more. Find your place on board! Together, we can bring hope and healing. View open volunteer opportunities with Mercy Ships.

Please note that all volunteers pay for their transportation to and from the ship’s location as well as monthly crew fees, insurance, and all personal expenses. Crew fees vary depending on the length of commitment as well as the volunteer’s country of residence. Volunteers who do not live or have citizenship in countries considered high-income by the World Bank pay lower crew fees.

Click here to see a sample budget, and learn more about crew fees here.

It’s important that volunteers pay their own expenses on board, so that Mercy Ships can maximize the impact of donations by putting 75% directly into programmatic expenses, like the cost of surgery for a patient who needs it.

Mercy Ships is excited to offer financial aid to crew with commitments of 24+ months and for any crew in qualifying maritime roles. Contact a recruiter for more information, and learn more about volunteering here.

Mercy Ships also has a financial support team to answer questions and support volunteers through budgeting, crew fees, and fundraising. If you have any questions as you think through volunteering, or if you’ve already applied – the Financial Support team is available to assist you. Send them an email or check out their fundraising brochure here.

When the ship is in port, Mercy Ships also engages local volunteers from the host nation to help with various roles, including translation, driving, cooking, and cleaning. Recruitment for these “national crew” positions happens locally in the three to four months before the ship arrives. For more information about when a ship may be visiting your country, stay tuned on mercyships.africa.

For 2023 and 2024, Mercy Ships will be serving in Sierra Leone (August 2023 to June 2024) and Madagascar (February to December 2024). We can only consider patient referrals in the countries where we are currently serving. Mercy Ships works with the government and Ministry of Health in those host nations to make the population aware of opportunities. If you live in those countries, stay tuned for information from local news and government sources.

Mercy Ships provides:

  • Maxillofacial surgery: Head and neck tumors, cleft lip, cleft palate, ear-nose-throat diseases
  • Pediatric Orthopedic surgery: Club feet, bowed legs, windswept legs, knocked knees
  • Reconstructive Plastic surgery: Severe wound scars, benign tumors, chronic ulcers, burn contractures
  • Women’s health: Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas, prolapse
  • General surgery: Hernias, goiters, other issues correctible by surgery
    • Pediatric specialized general surgery
  • Eye surgery: Cataracts, pterygium, and strabismus

Learn more about Mercy Ships medical programs here.

We can only take patient referrals in the countries where we are currently serving. Mercy Ships works with the government and Ministry of Health in those host nations to make the population aware of opportunities. If you live in those countries, stay tuned for information from local news and government sources.

Mercy Ships employs a very experienced and well-trained team for patient selection. The selection begins with registration through local evaluators, continues through selection events in major cities throughout each country, and concludes with a final selection process on the ship.

Please do not visit the ship in hopes of receiving surgery. Our crew cannot accommodate unplanned visits, and you will not be able to be seen by a surgeon if you come to the ship. If you have not been able to attend a selection event, there is a referral email address you can write to about your surgical need: patient.referral@mercyships.org. For the 2023-2024 field service in Sierra Leone, our surgical slots have all been filled.