Tag Archive for: Global Mercy

Life-Changing Surgery Gives 3-Year-Old Girl a Fresh Start and Bright Smile
Blog, BlogMarion 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.

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.

“Doctor of the Ward”: David’s Journey with Mercy Ships
Blog, BlogNow 12 years old, David's journey began in the quiet village of Sama Nywalinga, nestled at the end of a long, dusty road, 120 miles from Sierra Leone's second-largest town of Bo. His world changed forever when, at just a year old, a boiling pot of water spilled on him in a tragic accident.

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.

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.

Sierra Leonean Physiotherapists Board the Global Mercy™ for Skills Enhancement
NewsIn a landmark moment for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, the country’s first-ever cohort of physiotherapy graduates earned their Bachelor of Science (B.S) degrees in 2023. This achievement marked a significant step in addressing the critical shortage of rehabilitation professionals.

Venomous snake bite leaves arm unusable: boy waits seven years for life-changing surgery
Press releaseFREETOWN, SIEERA LEONE, FEBRUARY 20, 2025: An 11-year-old boy from Sierra Leone can finally go to school and use his right arm again after his severely deformed limb was operated on by international health charity, Mercy Ships.

From Traveling Nurse to Mercy Ships Volunteer: God’s Plan for Trent
Blog, BlogWithout volunteers like Trent Yoder, Mercy Ships couldn’t provide surgeries for patients efficiently. As the team lead in the preoperative department, Trent coordinates the intake of patients seeking free surgical care on the Global Mercy™.

Young Man’s Life Transformed After Mercy Ships Removes Life-Threatening Tumor
Press releaseA young man from Sierra Leone who was forced to leave school due to relentless mockery over a life-threatening facial tumor has had it successfully removed by international charity, Mercy Ships.
Alex, now 23, first noticed a swelling on his jaw in 2016 as a teenager. Over the years, the tumor grew significantly, making it difficult for him to eat, speak, and swallow. It left him increasingly isolated and raised fears that it could eventually impair his breathing.

A New Gift: Hope for Emmanuel
Blog, BlogManteneh was a nearly defeated woman when she brought her 3-year-old son, Emmanuel, to Mercy Ships in January. She told doctors on the Global Mercy™ that several local hospitals in Freetown simply did not know what they could do to treat Emmanuel’s rare disorder, lymphangioma, so they turned her away. For Manteneh, Mercy Ships was their last chance.
She explained how this all began. Shortly after her son was born, she noticed a white-colored swelling around his ear. Unsure of what to do, she compressed the area with warm water, but things began to worsen.