Following an extensive refurbishment and recrewing effort, the Africa Mercy® hospital ship has set sail from the Port of East London towards Madagascar, where it will provide medical services for the next ten months. The eight-month refit in Durban’s Dormac Shipyard included repairs and maintenance to enhance the ship’s service life and improve the quality of medical care provided.
Notable improvements during the refurbishment included an information technology (IT) upgrade that enables seamless coordination between the Africa Mercy® and Mercy Ships’ latest hospital ship, the Global Mercy™, currently stationed in Sierra Leone. This upgrade will support the training of local doctors and healthcare professionals, fostering the development of in-country healthcare expertise. Other upgrades include modernizing the galley, improving the elevator system, and remodeling cabin spaces to better accommodate those in need of surgical care.
Brenda van Straten, Director of Mercy Ships in South Africa, explained that the ship’s refurbishment is part of a broader initiative to ensure the Africa Mercy® can continue providing life-changing surgeries and training for the next decade. Alongside the refurbishment, Mercy Ships conducted eight Safer Anesthetics from Education (SAFE) courses in South Africa, impacting 236 health professionals in the region. The courses focused on practical approaches to managing patients in rural and state hospitals, partnering with 58 South African anesthetists.
The Africa Mercy®’s service in Madagascar forms part of a five-year investment in Education, Training, and Advocacy efforts, including a surgical schedule that encompasses various specialties such as maxillofacial, general, pediatric orthopedic, reconstructive plastics, ophthalmic, women’s health, and dental care. Dr. Lethicia Lydia Yasmine, secretary general for the Ministry of Health in Madagascar, expressed gratitude for Mercy Ships’ commitment to reaching underserved communities in the country, as they face a shortage of surgical support both locally and internationally.
A 2016 study found that only 20% of the Malagasy population can access surgical services within two hours. Additionally, up to 95% of the population would face significant financial burden if they required surgery. With approximately 20 physicians for every 100,000 people, surgical treatment is often considered out of reach for many.
This marks the fourth visit of Mercy Ships to Madagascar, with the most recent visit taking place in 2015-2016. Over the course of these three previous visits, Mercy Ships collaborated with the government and the Ministry of Health to provide 6,425 surgical procedures and over 52,000 dental procedures. In addition to surgical and dental care, Mercy Ships has prioritized education and has trained a total of 2,019 healthcare professionals in Madagascar to date.
Mercy Ships is currently seeking volunteers for various roles, including project directors, a clinical training coordinator, informatics specialists, ward nurses, IT professionals, cooks, teachers, plumbers, and electricians.
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and healthcare services to those with limited access to medical care. Over the past three decades, Mercy Ships has partnered with African nations, working with local healthcare professionals, and supporting the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. With more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serving on board the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™, Mercy Ships aims to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric, and anesthetic care. The organization was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries, as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.
For more information about Mercy Ships and volunteer opportunities, visit www.MercyShips.co.za.
