French Academy of Medicine – Dr. Pierre M’Pelé and Prof. Marc Gentilini
The end of the January National Academy of Medicine conference, which brought together eminent doctors and professors of medicine, addressed the following topics: the allergic risks of the RNA vaccine for COVID-19; mitochondrial pathologies and reproduction; and lead-free cardiac stimulation.
During this session, Dr. Pierre M’Pelé, Director of the Africa Bureau de Mercy Ships, was invited to present Mercy Ships’ primary mission: to provide surgical care to Africa’s poorest people. Above all, he reiterated the urgency of the situation:
“More than half of the world’s population, nearly 5 billion people, cannot access safe surgical and anaesthesia services.
Africa alone accounts for 25% of global morbidity and one third of clinical conditions requiring surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care. The African continent is home to 17% of the world’s population but has only 2% of the world’s total number of doctors and only 0.7 surgical specialist per 100,000 inhabitants.
And this is where we come in: in addition to providing free surgery on board our hospital ships, we train local health professionals and renovate medical infrastructures. Our aim is to leave a lasting impact after our ship leaves the countries we serve.
Since its commissioning in 2007, our hospital ship the Africa Mercy has made 10 months field services in 11 countries in West and Central Africa and Madagascar.”
At the same conference, Professor Marc Gentilini, a famous specialist in infectious and tropical diseases at the Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris and Honorary President of the National Academy of Medicine and the French Red Cross, recalled Dr. Pierre M’Pelé’s career and praised the work of Mercy Ships:
“I was happy to welcome the young Congolese doctor Pierre M’Pelé to La Pitié hospital in Paris. He stayed for five years and left after having observed the first cases of AIDS patients in Congo who had been transported to La Pitié Salpêtrière hospital.
During about 10 years, he led the fight against AIDS in Congo, then joined UNAIDS and finally became the WHO representative in various African states. Such a great experience made him a particularly competent person, perfectly understood and respected in Africa, in Ethiopia, Benin, Togo, where he was also a WHO representative.
I would like to thank and congratulate Pierre for all the extraordinary work he has done and continues to do, since he retired from WHO, and joined Mercy Ships as a volunteer. I had the chance to visit the hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, an extraordinary medical platform which brings help to people in need in all the ports where it is docked.”
Diacko: The Courage to Trust
As we approach the close of this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges and trials faced by so many, especially those who have experienced profound loss. This season, while we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let’s also remember those who are still suffering, those who have lost their way, and those who have lost their faith in a better tomorrow.
During this holiday season, we invite you to join us in this mission of compassion, faith, and renewal.
Your generosity can make a real and lasting impact.
Teneng and Ibrahima: Gifts from God
This Christmas season, let’s come together as a community of faith and support to bring restoration to people who have lost so much. Mercy Ships Canada is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of Children and adults in need. Your gift, rooted in faith, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people. Your support will bring back smiles, health, and faith to children and adults who have suffered for far too long. Donate today and make this Christmas truly meaningful.
Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile
At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.
Aissatou Finds Healing
As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the immense power of faith and the importance of giving back to those in need. This Christmas, you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, healing and transformation for those who need it most.
Your support this Christmas will not only change lives but also reaffirm the spirit of giving and faith. Join us in spreading love, hope, and healing.
Make a donation today, and together, we can transform the lives of people who have lost so much.
Grateful Hearts-Thank you message from Darryl Anderson
Our journey continues, and we’re excited to have you by our side as we embark on new adventures of compassion and change.
Face-to-Face after Decades: Catherine and Aly Reunite on the Global Mercy
The last time Catherine Conteh saw the deeply familiar smile in front of her in Freetown, it was under dramatically different circumstances. Learn more about Aly’s act of kindness!
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