This will be the sixth instance of collaboration between Mercy Ships and the government of Sierra Leone and is the first time it is Global Mercy — the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship — which docked at Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
Free surgeries and training for healthcare professionals
Global Mercy's medical staff will partner with the Ministry of Health to provide free specialized surgeries to Sierra Leoneans and targeted training for healthcare professionals until June 2024. Mercy Ships’ programmatic strategy has been carefully aligned with the country’s current strategic healthcare plan.
'This collaboration with Mercy Ships reflects our vision for a resilient healthcare system in Sierra Leone,' Bio said. 'Their healing touch aligns seamlessly with our commitment to improve healthcare access and echoes our dedication to the Big 5 agenda on human capital development, particularly in healthcare. With this partnership, we strengthen our stride towards a healthier nation and a brighter future for all.'
Partnership dates back to 1992
Mercy Ships CEO Gert van de Weerdhof noted the long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, beginning with the charity's first field service 1992 with the hospital ship Anastasis. Since then, Mercy Ships returned from 2001 to 2004, and again in 2011.
'Now, in 2023, hope and healing will come anew as some 2,350 safe, free surgeries will be performed on board the Global Mercy,' van de Weerdhof said.
The surgeries delivered will include tumor removal, cleft lip and palate correction, cataract removal, orthopedics and reconstructive plastics. Patients have been encouraged to attend screening days to receive appointments for their specific surgical needs. Patient selection teams have already registered and assessed patients in eight locations, both up-country and in the greater Freetown area, in preparation for the ship’s arrival.
Shoreside capacity-building
In collaboration with national and international partners, Mercy Ships will provide education and training across the surgical ecosystem for more than 200 local healthcare professionals who will add capacity long after the ship leaves. These programs will focus on surgery, nursing, biomedical, sterile processing and anesthesia. This multi-year partnership will focus on strengthening the surgical care system by investing in Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals who will impact the nation for years to come.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
