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Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh has commended the transformative impact of the Global Mercy (GLM) Ship on Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, describing the mission as a powerful example of what strong leadership and strategic partnerships can achieve.
Speaking after a guided tour of the ship, which he undertook with his family and staff, Dr Sengeh expressed deep appreciation for the life-saving services and capacity-building initiatives delivered during the vessel’s historic three-year stay in the country.
The Chief Minister engaged with members of the GLM medical team and interacted with patients, an experience he described as filled with “joy, gratitude, and hope.” He noted that while the mission’s achievements can be measured in numbers, its true impact is reflected in the lives changed and futures restored.
According to figures shared during the visit, over 1,700 international volunteers have served aboard the ship, contributing to more than 5,000 surgeries performed for Sierra Leoneans.
In addition, nearly 700 local healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, have benefited from specialised training programs delivered through a partnership between the Global Mercy Ship and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Dr Sengeh also highlighted the socio-economic contributions of the mission, noting that approximately 450 Sierra Leoneans were employed as “Day Workers,” gaining valuable work experience and income support.
He further underscored the significance of the Global Mercy Ship’s stay from August 2023 to June 2026, which stands as the longest continuous deployment of the vessel in any country.
“The numbers are impressive, but they do not fully capture the depth of this impact,” Dr. Sengeh remarked, pointing to improvements in healthcare outcomes, including an estimated 80 percent reduction in post-operative infections achieved through collaboration and training.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the role of President Julius Maada Bio in facilitating the partnership, noting that sustained engagements with the GLM Board helped create the enabling environment for the mission’s success.
As the Global Mercy Ship prepares to depart Sierra Leone in the coming weeks, Dr. Sengeh welcomed the continuation of its partnership with the Ministry of Health, which will ensure ongoing training and medical support beyond the ship’s presence.
He also expressed gratitude to the leadership and management of the Global Mercy initiative, including Sandra Lako, for their dedication and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Sengeh concluded by reaffirming government’s appreciation for the collaboration, including the provision of waivers that enhanced the ship’s operations, stating that the Global Mercy Ship has left a lasting legacy in the country’s healthcare system and broader socio-economic development.
