Our Medical Programs

Over 50% of the population lives within 100 miles of the coast. Many nations lack clean water, reliable electricity, medical facilities and personnel. Our ships deliver a state-of-the-art hospital to port cities, providing a controlled, safe and clean environment for patients—and volunteers.

Mercy Ships began sailing on our mission to provide hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor in 1978. Each year, we’ve been able to reach more people to provide life-changing surgeries.

To date, we’ve been able to perform over 100,000 surgical procedures and provide training for thousands of local African healthcare professionals. Every port brings new challenges, new successes—and new lives transformed forever.

craniofacial tumors, cleft lip, cleft palate, ear-nose-throat diseases

Club feet, bowed legs, windswept legs and knocked knees.

Severe wound scars, benign tumors, chronic ulcers, burn contractures

childbirth complications, vesicovaginal fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas, prolapse

hernias, goiters, other issues correctible by surgery

cataracts, allergy, infection, injury, pterygium, and strabismus

terminal illnesses, patient care, spiritual and practical support

gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, tooth extraction, dental hygiene

Our Medical Programs

Over 50% of the population lives within 100 miles of the coast. Many nations lack clean water, reliable electricity, medical facilities and personnel. Our ships deliver a state-of-the-art hospital to port cities, providing a controlled, safe and clean environment for patients—and volunteers.

Mercy Ships began sailing on our mission to provide hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor in 1978. Each year, we’ve been able to reach more people to provide life-changing surgeries.

To date, we’ve been able to perform over 100,000 surgical procedures and provide training for thousands of local African healthcare professionals. Every port brings new challenges, new successes—and new lives transformed forever.

craniofacial tumors, cleft lip, cleft palate, ear-nose-throat diseases

Club feet, bowed legs, windswept legs and knocked knees.

Severe wound scars, benign tumors, chronic ulcers, burn contractures

childbirth complications, vesicovaginal fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas, prolapse

hernias, goiters, other issues correctible by surgery

cataracts, allergy, infection, injury, pterygium, and strabismus

terminal illnesses, patient care, spiritual and practical support

gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, tooth extraction, dental hygiene