By the time she turned 80, Marie Jeanne had endured more losses than most. Seven of her eight children had passed away. Her only living daughter, Germaine, farmed the fields and cared for her own daughter and granddaughter. While grief had shaped Marie Jeanne, it hadn’t broken her spirit. Along with spending time with her family, she spent her days weaving raffia mats and hats, a passion she treasured.
Toamasina, Madagascar, October 9, 2025. This World Sight Day, the world unites around the theme ‘People at the heart of eye health’. For Marie Jeanne and her daughter Germaine, this message could not be better represented. After years of blindness due to cataracts, this mother and daughter from a remote Malagasy village had both vision and lives restored thanks to a 15-minute cataract surgery aboard the Africa Mercy, the hospital ship operated by international charity Mercy Ships.
Emmanuel Nwaji is a 34-year-old maritime officer from Nigeria. He serves on board the Global Mercy™ as a second officer and is responsible for navigation and training. Known for his impeccable leadership and commitment to excellence, he plays a vital role in keeping the ship and its mission on course.
Sierra Leone – 25 September 2025. This year’s World Maritime Day theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, highlights how the ocean provides for us, and in turn, the responsibility we have to care for it. Few stories capture this dynamic better than that of Emmanuel, a 34-year-old Nigerian maritime officer on board the Global Mercy™. For him, the ocean is more than a route for transporting goods; it connects the world. With 40% of the global population living along coastlines, the ocean is vital not only for trade, but also for reaching people in need.
ACCRA, GHANA – September 11, 2025: The Government of Ghana and international charity Mercy Ships have reaffirmed their partnership, announcing that the Global Mercy™ hospital ship will sail to Ghana in August 2026. While docked in the Port of Tema, the ship will deliver free specialized surgeries and provide training for healthcare professionals, advancing Ghana’s national goals for safe surgical care.
September, 2025 – Mercy Ships, the international nonprofit operating the world’s largest fleet of civilian hospital ships, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle White MB ChB, PhD, DCH, FRCA as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 2, 2025. The Global Mercy™, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has officially launched her third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone, with the successful surgery of its very first patient, 40-year-old kekeh driver Mohamed. This pivotal moment represents the beginning of a mission dedicated to providing hope and healing while strengthening the nation’s anesthetic and surgical systems.
Marion was born with an umbilical hernia; a condition that had grown more severe over time. She lost her mother when she was just a baby, and soon after, her father left. That’s when her aunt Helen stepped in and took custody of her. “She is like my own daughter, and I want the best for her,” Helen said.
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – August 13, 2025: The Global Mercy™, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, docked once again in Freetown marking the start of its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone. Operated by the international NGO Mercy Ships, the vessel’s return deepens its partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and expand access to safe, free surgeries.
A landmark moment for dental education and access to oral healthcare in Senegal was celebrated this weekend at the Department of Dentistry of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar. Mercy Ships (www.Mercyships.org), in partnership with the Institute of Odontology and Stomatology (IOS), the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and other key stakeholders, inaugurated a brand-new dental clinic and officially laid the foundation stone for a new dental training center, two major projects aimed at transforming dental training and care in Senegal.