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CLIA backs Mercy Ships as its Charity of Choice

CLIA backs Mercy Ships as its Charity of Choice
Selecting Mercy Ships as its Charity of Choice, Cruise Lines International Association will work to further Mercy Ships' initiatives to deliver healthcare to developing nations and make CLIA global members aware of the international nonprofit’s mission and efforts.

Mercy Ships operates floating hospitals that provide training for medical professionals, along with curative surgical interventions. The partnership will help Mercy Ships gain higher visibility in the cruise industry and facilitate collaboration with CLIA and its members.

'The partnership is a natural fit, and we are delighted to be working with this reputable organization [that] is making a positive difference in the world,' CLIA president and ceo Thomas Ostebo said.

Donovan Palmer, group managing director for Mercy Ships, said CLIA's 'knowledge of the industry and willingness to help get our message out to its members will be immeasurable.'

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services to those without access in the developing world. Mercy Ships volunteers have provided 78,000 life-changing operations such as cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthopedic procedures, facial reconstruction and obstetric fistula repair.

They have performed 353,000 dental procedures, trained 5,800 local teachers and 35,300 local professionals in their area of expertise (anesthesiology, midwifery, sterilization, orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, leadership).

Further, Mercy Ships volunteers have provided basic healthcare education classes for 183,000 people and fostered 1,100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture.