Celebrating Our 100,000th Free Surgical Procedure

Today Mercy Ships Canada celebrates a major milestone: the 100,000th free surgical procedure provided to a patient in West Africa. The momentous occasion comes as Mercy Ships celebrates 40 years of transforming lives in the world’s poorest nations.

“We’re excited to reach this significant milestone and honoured to be a part of transforming so many lives,” Jamie McItosh, Mercy Ships Canada CEO says.

Currently docked for a 10-month stay in the port of Conakry, Guinea, these free surgical procedures are performed on the world’s largest charity hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, run by skilled volunteers from over 40 nations around the world.

Volunteer surgeons onboard the Africa Mercy treat tumours, burns, vision problems, women’s health conditions, childhood orthopaedics and a range wide of general surgeries.

“I’m especially grateful to all of the Mercy Ships volunteers, who raise their own airfare, support and pay room and board on ship to bring these services! And also to the donors who faithfully support and sustain us,” says McIntosh.

Yesterday, a volunteer carried baby Aissata, a seven month old girl, into the operating room. Another volunteer made sure the anesthesia and instruments were in order while another made an incision. During her recovery, more will provide post operative care. Other crew members will prepare meals for those in the wards and operating theatre, and throughout it all the technical crew will keep everything running.

Many hands and hearts are involved in every journey to hope and healing – and this legacy is shared by all who have served and supported Mercy Ships in the mission to bring hope and healing to the world’s poorest nations.

On behalf of Mercy Ships Canada, thank you volunteers and donors who helped make this significant milestone possible!

Other Blog Posts

THE MSC FOUNDATION, THE MSC GROUP AND MERCY SHIPS INTERNATIONAL JOIN FORCES TO BUILD A NEW HOSPITAL SHIP

The new purpose-built hospital ship will expand the impact of Mercy Ships’ life-changing surgeries, anaesthetic care and surgical education for future generations of patients and healthcare professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Woman Who Forged Her Way Through Walls: Florence Bangura’s Story

Florence’s journey from oldest to newest Mercy Ship came full circle when she met the Global Mercy™ in 2023, the same year that the purpose-built hospital ship began welcoming its patients on board. Today, you can find Florence, now 49 years old, down in the engine room as a hotel engineering assistant.

Transforming Sierra Leone’s Healthcare: A Vision for Safe and Affordable Surgery

As experts from the surgical and healthcare world gather for the 64th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons in Sierra Leone this week, a profound dedication to advancing surgical knowledge and practice in the region is palpable. At the forefront of discussions lies the conference’s pivotal theme: access to safe and affordable surgical and anesthetic care in West Africa. This theme highlights the pressing need to address disparities in healthcare capabilities and capacities across the region, especially the critical importance of equitable access to quality surgical interventions.

The Africa Mercy Arrives in Madagascar to Bring Hope and Healing Anew

Freshly refitted hospital ship, the upgraded Africa Mercy® has arrived at the island nation to build on the charity’s longstanding collaboration and will provide specialized surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, pediatric specialized general, pediatric orthopedic, cataract surgery, and reconstructive plastics. 

Reuniting with Vanya, Years After Surgery

In 2015, in an operating room on board the Africa Mercy while docked in Madagascar, the course of Vanya’s life changed.
Years have now passed since Vanya’s journey toward healing. In the time since, her improved ability to walk allowed her to return to school, where she loved studying environmental science and learning about the world around her.

Christmas-Thank You Message from Darryl Anderson

Darryl Anderson shares his thank you message after Christmas to express his gratitude for your support and dedication to our mission.