Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organization that uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services and medical capacity building in the world's poorest nations. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in over 70 countries, providing $1.53 billion in services to more than 2.71 million direct beneficiaries. Every year over 1000 volunteers from up to 40 nations volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship.

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92,296+

surgical procedures performed since 1978.

Surgical Programs

41,540+

health care professionals trained since 1978.

Local Capacity Building

1,100+

volunteers from 62 nations onboard the Africa Mercy every year.

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Latest news

13.05.2020

Celebrating Senegal

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Africa Mercy departed Dakar ten weeks ahead of schedule in

12.05.2020

Day Crew in Senegal Take Action Together to Battle COVID-19

In each field service Mercy Ships hires local day crew to work on the Africa Mercy and in every

Mercy Ships Canada on Instagram

33 healthcare professionals (including ...

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33 healthcare professionals (including pharmacists, nurses, doctors and social workers) attended the second Palliative Care Medical Capacity Building Program presented by Mercy Ships in Senegal. Here, they learn how to better comfort, care for, and communicate with terminally ill patients and their loved ones—an often overlooked aspect of equipping the nations we serve.#capacitybuilding #training #healthcare #development #MercyShips

Over the last ten years, the Silva family has had ...

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Over the last ten years, the Silva family has had the unique opportunity of raising their family onboard the #AfricaMercy. As Tatyana's husband, Rodrigo, is a maritime professional, she has been a full-time mother for the majority of this period and has the privilege of sharing this season of adventure with her children. "Right now, I'm enjoying seeing them grow. I feel like I am helping raise good people into the world."

Although uncertainty surrounds us due to COVID-19,...

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Although uncertainty surrounds us due to COVID-19, Mercy Ships remains committed to our mission to serve Africa and that #together, we can bring hope and healing.Are you an organized person that wants to serve and support others? As an Assistant Purser, you can help manage important documentation for our ship and crew, and grow as a professional along the way. #Volunteer with us, and let’s make a difference together. #MercyShips

Stuart and Frances Clear (UK), and their two boys ...

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Stuart and Frances Clear (UK), and their two boys Joseph and James have lived and served onboard the #AfricaMercy for almost four years now! Frances, whose role onboard includes wife, mother, and outpatient nurse, says: “I’ve really enjoyed my children being able to interact with other crew members onboard. They have so many aunts, uncles and grandparents here, and that is beautiful. It is wonderful to be part of a community where your kids are loved well.” #shiplife #volunteer #nurselife #familytime #community

Leaving our host country is usually a mixture of ...

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Leaving our host country is usually a mixture of sorrow and gratitude, and this time, leaving Senegal was no exception. Even though we had to pull up our anchor two months early, we hope to return to this beautiful country soon!

Today is #InternationalDaytoEndObstetricFistula. ...

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Today is #InternationalDaytoEndObstetricFistula. The birth of a child should be joyful, but for those without access to routine medical or surgical care during and after delivery, chronic medical issues such as obstetric fistulas can lead to spousal abandonment and community ostracism. These medical problems are relatively unknown in western countries where cesarean sections are widely available. They occur during prolonged or difficult labours, and they can have devastating physical, emotional and spiritual consequences.Mercy Ships doctors, nurses and other caring volunteers provide a holistic approach to treatment through our Women's Health Program. In addition to medical treatment, we shower them with love, acceptance and head-to-toe healing.#MercyShips #WomensHealth #women #womensupportingwomen #hope #healing #love #newbeginnings

The best days are when we get to send patients ...

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The best days are when we get to send patients like Malick home fully healed.
When Malick first arrived at the #AfricaMercy, he walked up the gangway on a pair of bowed legs. After orthopaedic surgery and several months of rehabilitation, he came down that same gangway. But this time—on straight legs!
#celebrate #homecoming #ortho #surgery #hope #healing #mercyships

On the day he was discharged from the ...

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On the day he was discharged from the #AfricaMercy, Malick was given his very own farewell dance party! After months of hard work, the rehab team and Malick's mother gathered around the six-year-old to celebrate his healing. A success for all!
#inspiration #hope #healing #MercyShips #danceparty #dance #celebrate

Mercy Ships partner and friend Dr. Odry Agbessi ...

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Mercy Ships partner and friend Dr. Odry Agbessi has been committed to raising awareness for preventative measures against COVID-19 among the Beninese population through her NGO, VIA-ME. This has included teaching the importance of stopping the spread, distributing personal protective equipment, and demonstrating proper hygienic procedures. Thank you, Dr. Odry, and all those doing their part in flattening the curve!

Canadian Stephanie Verseveldt recently returned ...

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Canadian Stephanie Verseveldt recently returned home from serving onboard the #AfricaMercy in Senegal and now, after receiving specific training for patients with COVID-19, is already on her way to the frontlines in B.C.! “It is a little scary and unknown, but I am excited at the same time for a new challenge and I know God is walking along side me the whole way.” Thank you, Stephanie! We’re behind you. #Canadian #volunteers #canadahelps #hope #healing #COVID19

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