In August 2024, the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, arrived at the port of Freetown, Sierra Leone, for a 10-month mission. Invited by the government, this mission aims to deliver critical surgeries and educational training to local medical staff.

The ship’s first patient was a 32-year-old police officer from Freetown with a large hernia that had affected him since his twenties. As he boarded the ship, the Global Mercy’s volunteer crew welcomed him warmly. Inside, U.S.-based Dr. Timothy Burandt and his surgical team prepared for this inaugural procedure.

The Global Mercy, one of two vessels operated by the humanitarian group Mercy Ships, is positioned among Freetown’s bustling commercial port. Its partner ship, the Africa Mercy, operates along Africa’s eastern coast, currently stationed in Madagascar.

Throughout its stay, the Global Mercy’s medical team is set to perform over 1,400 surgeries, including maxillofacial, orthopedic, reconstructive, and eye surgeries. The crew of approximately 600 international volunteers encompasses surgeons, nurses, engineers, and other essential personnel, alongside about 150 local hires. Their mission is to bridge the healthcare gap in Sierra Leone, a country with fewer than one surgeon per 100,000 people.

Mercy Ships focuses on both treatment and capacity building. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and local institutions, it has launched programs like the Nurse Anesthesia Diploma Program to address critical shortages in medical expertise. The organization has also created specialized training in fields like hospital management, sterile processing, and nursing mentorship to strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.

This dual focus—providing direct medical care and enhancing local capacity—aims to make a lasting impact on Sierra Leone's healthcare landscape. By investing in training for current and future medical professionals, Mercy Ships seeks to ensure that quality surgical care will remain accessible even after the ship departs.