
The Global Mercy™ Returns To Sierra Leone To Deliver Even More Free Surgeries and Expand Training for Healthcare Professionals
News, Press releaseFreetown, 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.

Inauguration of New Dental Clinic and Groundbreaking of Dental Training Center at Cheikh Anta Diop University
News, Press releaseA 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.

Love Heals what shame tried to hide
News, Press releaseA young boy receives life-changing surgery from charity repairing cleft lips and restoring dignity for patients often stigmatized.

From Ship to Shore: Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy Programs in Sierra Leone
News, Press releaseIn Sierra Leone, beyond our ship, there’s another side to the story in our Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) department. A team of passionate professionals are working hard to build something lasting, long after the Global Mercy departs the port of Freetown.

‘A Dream Realized’: Mercy Ships Supports First-Of-Its-Kind African Dental Education Symposium
News, Press releaseCASABLANCA, Morocco, July 11, 2025 — What began as a dream two years ago has now become a reality in Casablanca, Morocco. On July 11 and 12, 2025, representatives from 24 nations across the continent gathered at Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé (UM6SS) for the inaugural African Dental Education Symposium, which culminated in the creation of the groundbreaking African Education Dental Association (AEDA).

Next Chapter in Transformative Surgical Care as Mercy Ships and Ministry of Health Prepare for August Return
Press releaseFREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – JUNE 16: In partnership with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, international charity Mercy Ships is preparing for the next phase of its ongoing mission to deliver free, life-changing surgeries and training for healthcare professionals. This new phase is scheduled to begin in August.

From Commitment To Change: Leaders Call for Action To Bridge a Gap in Surgical Access
Press releaseAt a pivotal World Health Assembly (WHA) side event in Geneva, the non-governmental organizations Mercy Ships and Operation Smile commemorated a decade of leadership in global efforts to improve access to equitable surgical care. This event brought together global leaders, health ministers, and experts to celebrate progress, and confront the urgent challenges that remain in delivering safe, affordable surgical care to all.

Woman Saved From Life-Threatening Neck Growth That Started as Sore Throat
Press releaseTOAMASINA, MADAGASCAR, JUNE 2: A young woman whose sore throat became a life-threatening growth in her neck, leaving her struggling to breathe, has had it removed for free by surgeon volunteers from international charity Mercy Ships.

Trained To Lead: How One Nurse Is Changing Healthcare in Sierra Leone
Press releaseDriven by compassion and determination, nurse Betty Koker is transforming patient care in Sierra Leone — showing how mentorship and local leadership are building a stronger healthcare system.

Surgeon Honored for Decades of Free, Life-Changing Surgeries Across Africa with Mercy Ships
Press releaseSAVANNAH, GEORGIA, MAY 9, 2025: A surgeon who has dedicated nearly 40 years to providing free, life-changing surgeries to African patients has been honored internationally for his remarkable service.