At the Mercy Ships Partners Welcome Event in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, reaffirmed her commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare system.
The event celebrated the return of the MV Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, joined by senior Ministry of Health officials, including Deputy Minister II Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, signed the Mercy Ships visitor’s book, symbolizing her dedication to the cause. In her keynote speech, she emphasized her efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare system through her studies at UCLA, aiming to advocate more effectively for her people
She outlined her vision for a more accessible and welcoming healthcare system, stressing the importance of recognizing healthcare workers. She praised Mercy Ships for their mentorship programs, which are currently training 145 healthcare professionals aboard the Global Mercy, thus enhancing Sierra Leone’s healthcare capacity.
Looking forward to the next field service from September 2024 to June 2025, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed her enthusiasm for continuing President Julius Maada Bio’s healthcare reform agenda. She also commended Mercy Ships for their work at the Macaulay Street Government Hospital’s outpatient extension center.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was given a tour of the Global Mercy by Managing Director Daniel Lauermann Mana, further deepening her understanding of the ship’s impact. Her participation in the event highlighted her commitment to accessible, quality healthcare and her proactive approach to gaining the knowledge needed to serve her people effectively.
These ships travel the world and do incredible charitable work by providing free surgeries to people in need, most of whom might never get help otherwise. They visit our country and we are now using them to promote Fatima Bio. This is sick. She doesn’t beling there. Whenever they come to town, the health minister and other health officials should welcome them and thank them, maybe the president once in a while and that is it. Fatima Bio does not need to give a speech about how she wants to help the country’s health system. You have had six years and you only have four more years left. If you are sincere, just go do it.