Tag Archive for: Safe Surgery

Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide: A Trailblazer Bringing Hope To Children in Sierra Leone

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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.

Walking Into Hope: Mohamed’s Journey From Pain To Possibility

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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.

War Survivor Becomes life saver

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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.

Seeing Again, Living Again

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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.

Blind Mother and Daughter Look into Each Others’ Eyes for the First Time in Years

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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.

Government of Ghana Renews Partnership with Mercy Ships to Strengthen Surgical Care

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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.

Mercy Ships Appoints Dr. Michelle White as New Chief Executive Officer

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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.

Life-Changing Surgery Gives 3-Year-Old Girl a Fresh Start and Bright Smile

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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.

The Global Mercy™ Returns To Sierra Leone To Deliver Even More Free Surgeries and Expand Training for Healthcare Professionals

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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.

Love Heals what shame tried to hide

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A young boy receives life-changing surgery from charity repairing cleft lips and restoring dignity for patients often stigmatized.