The Global Mercy, operated by the international charity Mercy Ships, has returned to Sierra Leone and is set to remain in the country for the next ten months.

The hospital ship, which recently completed a short maintenance period in Cádiz, Spain, will continue working with national and local health authorities to support both surgical care and medical training.

This marks the third visit by Mercy Ships to Sierra Leone. During this time, the ship’s medical team will provide free surgeries to those in need, while also delivering training programs for Sierra Leonean health professionals. The aim is to help build local skills in surgery, patient care, and other key areas of medical practice.

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According to the Ministry of Health, the work of Mercy Ships supports two key goals, addressing urgent medical needs through direct surgical care, and preparing local health workers to carry out similar services in the future. The government has welcomed the return of the Global Mercy and confirmed that this continued partnership plays a meaningful role in improving health services in the country.

Since beginning operations in Sierra Leone in 2023, Mercy Ships has completed more than 3,630 free surgeries for 3,240 individuals. These have included a wide range of surgical specialties. Each case represents someone who might otherwise not have had access to needed treatment.

 

Alongside its surgical services, Mercy Ships runs a number of training and support programs through its Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) work. These programs are designed to strengthen the country’s surgical systems by improving knowledge, skills, and resources across hospitals and clinics.

The Global Mercy will continue operating in Freetown into 2026. During this period, the team plans to work closely with medical institutions and community partners to support long-term improvements in healthcare delivery throughout Sierra Leone.