President Dr. Julius Maada Bio hosted a farewell lunch for the Sierra Leonean crew members of the Global Mercy Ship and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone.

The farewell lunch marked the culmination of another successful chapter in the longstanding partnership between Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone, a relationship that has significantly enhanced access to life-changing surgical care, healthcare training, and institutional capacity building across the country.

Speaking on behalf of Mercy Ships leadership, Mr. Matthew Murray expressed profound gratitude to President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone for the hospitality, support, and cooperation extended to the organization throughout its stay.

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“We are deeply honoured by the respect and support your government has shown us. The people of Sierra Leone have been exceptionally welcoming and friendly. We are also grateful to the many Sierra Leonean volunteers who have worked alongside us throughout the years. Today, we are privileged to have many of them here to personally express their appreciation,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby commended President Bio for his visionary leadership and lauded Mercy Ships for its exceptional contribution to Sierra Leone’s healthcare system over the past three years.

“This is one of the happiest moments of my life. President Julius Maada Bio is a leader whose commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans continues to inspire confidence. On behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, I thank His Excellency and the entire Mercy Ships team for their extraordinary service. More than 4,000 successful surgeries represent thousands of stories of hope, healing, and renewed dignity,” Dr. Demby said.

In his response, President Bio expressed profound appreciation to Mercy Ships for its invaluable contribution to healthcare delivery and human development in Sierra Leone.

“I want to thank you for your outstanding service and for providing life-changing and life-saving opportunities to many Sierra Leoneans. Your confidence in our country and your commitment to partnership have made a lasting impact. The achievements of the past three years have been remarkable, and the benefits will continue to be felt for generations to come,” the President said.

President Bio noted that while the vessel may be departing Sierra Leonean shores, the legacy of Mercy Ships will endure through the thousands of lives transformed, healthcare professionals trained, and institutions strengthened.

“The ship may leave, but the legacy remains. The training provided to our healthcare professionals, the lives transformed, and the institutions strengthened will continue to serve our nation for many years to come,” he stated.

The President also paid tribute to the Sierra Leonean volunteers who served alongside Mercy Ships, describing them as exemplary ambassadors who demonstrated the country’s values of compassion, professionalism, and service.

Finally, the leadership of Mercy Ships had a briefing session with the President, where they presented a plaque of appreciation for his exemplary support during the three-year field service.