From the moment Abubakarr took his first steps, it was clear no shoe would ever fit his feet. Running, jumping, and slipping on shoes are second nature for most children. But for 6-year-old Abubakarr from Sierra Leone, these simple joys were out of reach as he was born with an extra toe on each foot.
LINDALE, TX, December 22, 2025 – Mercy Ships concludes a momentous year across its two hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Operating simultaneously in two countries for its second consecutive year, the organization expanded the medical impact of its programs, strengthened strategic partnerships, and deepened its commitment to building sustainable surgical capacity across the African continent.
Antananarivo, Madagascar – 26 December 2025 – Following 10 months of successful partnership in strengthening surgical care and health capacity, the Government of Madagascar and Mercy Ships announce the conclusion of the Africa Mercy’s® 2025 field service. This marks the end of a significant chapter of collaboration, and the beginning of a new one, as the hospital ship prepares to return to Madagascar in May 2026 after a period of maintenance.
As Armella grew, so did the mass behind her ear and her parents’ fears along with it. Desperate for answers but unable to afford a doctor, they turned to the church for support. Judicael, the pastor of their church, is a former Mercy Ships’ national crew who worked in the deck department during the organization’s last mission in Madagascar. With his assistance, 6-month-old Armella would finally be examined by a doctor.
As Elaine and David Sigalet stepped onto the deck of the Global Mercy™ for the fourth time, a familiar feeling washed over them; a mix of anticipation, purpose, and the quiet sense of accomplishment they both set out to achieve when they decided to join Mercy Ships for the first time.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 November 2025. The Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum (PASHeF 2025) continues to serve as a growing continental platform where African countries design and implement solutions that strengthen surgical healthcare systems for their people.
Freetown, Sierra Leone – November 1, 2025. When 10-month-old baby Memunatu arrived at the Global Mercy™, a state-of-the-art hospital ship, her tiny face was burdened by the weight of a large tumor on her neck. This tumor affected her ability to swallow, eat, speak, and even cry. Her mother, Aminata, was referred to several doctors who were unable to help. All it took was one encounter, one surgeon’s expertise, to change their lives forever for the better.
Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide is no stranger to forging new paths. A brilliant and daring pediatric surgeon from Nigeria, she made history on the Global Mercy™ in Sierra Leone as the first female African pediatric surgeon to volunteer with Mercy Ships.
Thirteen-year-old Mohamed is bold, bubbly, and charismatic. He is the eighth of nine children and comes from Koinadugu, a district in the northern province of Sierra Leone. His story is one of resilience and restoration.
Freetown, Sierra Leone, October 13, 2025. As Sterile Processing Week shines a spotlight on the critical role of sterile processing professionals, Mercy Ships is honored to celebrate one of its own crew members Frank Seibure, a volunteer whose hard work bring healing and safety to surgical patients across Africa. This year’s theme ‘Serving with a purpose’ reflects the dedication and price sterile processing professionals bring to their work, ensuring every instrument is clean, sterile, and ready to help save lives.