Hospital Ships: The Mercy Ships Way
Mercy Ships sails state-of-the-art hospital ships directly to African nations to both provide free surgeries and use the ships as education platforms, enabling lasting improvements in each partner country.
Two hospital ships are currently in service, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy.
Why Hospital Ships?
Over 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of a coast, so hospital ships can provide medical access to many people cannot otherwise afford it.
Because of the quality of roads and infrastructure in some African areas, it can be difficult for patients living far away to get to hospital ships. Mercy Ships supports patients and their caregivers who travel from their homes to facilitate access to our floating hospital.
Hospital Ships in Service
The Global Mercy
Our most recent hospital ship has joined our former flagship Africa Mercy in 2022, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by Mercy Ships.
The Africa Mercy
The Africa Mercy is the second world-class hospital ship in service since 2007. The ship was first deployed as a Mercy Ship in 2007 with an inaugural field service in Monrovia, Liberia.
Retired Hospital Ships
The Anastasis
Deployed 1978 – Retired 2007
The Caribbean Mercy
Deployed 1994 – Retired 2006
How are Hospital Ships Used in Africa?
Many African communities lack access to surgical care because there is a shortage of doctors, specialists, and essential medical equipment. Patients also experience financial barriers or geographic limitations to timely surgical care.
Mercy Ships is making a transformative impact with its hospital ships - fully equipped floating medical facilities that deliver high-quality, free surgical care. The ships operate under stringent safety standards like those of leading healthcare centers in developed nations, ensuring patients receive the best care.
Hospital ships address critical healthcare gaps by directly bringing vital surgical services to people in low-resource communities. Moreover, Mercy Ships empowers local healthcare professionals through education and training, creating a legacy that strengthens the local healthcare system long after the ships have departed.
Healthcare Volunteers on Hospital Ships
Hospital ships require a diverse crew of medical professionals and support staff. Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and specialists provide critical care, while non-medical volunteers like engineers, cooks, teachers, and administrators keep operations running smoothly.
Healthcare volunteers work together to deliver 8 types of medical care and surgeries. On board our 2 hospital ships, medical opportunities are available in the operation room, hospital, radiology, pharmacy and more.
Healthcare Training on Hospital Ships
Mercy Ships provides a variety of training opportunities both on and off the hospital ships, improving the quality of medical care in Africa.
The humanitarian organization offer specialized courses and mentorship programs while serving the immediate needs of the host country.
How to support our hospital ships' mission?
You can support our hospital ships' mission by making a donation or join the dedicated Canadian and international community onboard as a volunteer. Don’t miss the opportunity to help change someone’s life forever.