{"id":15821,"date":"2026-07-31T04:09:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mercyships.ca\/?post_type=press-release&p=15821"},"modified":"2026-07-31T04:35:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:35:37","slug":"mercy-ships-canada-and-the-university-of-sherbrooke-strenghthen-their-partnership-aboard-the-africa-mercy","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/mercyships.ca\/en\/press-release\/mercy-ships-canada-and-the-university-of-sherbrooke-strenghthen-their-partnership-aboard-the-africa-mercy\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercy Ships Canada and the University of Sherbrooke Strenghthen <\/br>Their Partnership Aboard the Africa Mercy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Longueuil, QC,\u00a0 July 27th 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Mercy Ships Canada <\/strong>is pleased to mark the second year of its partnership with the University of Sherbrooke<\/strong>, a unique collaboration that began in 2025 and was strengthened in 2026 as part of the Passerelle DEC-BAC in Nursing\u2019s graduate program in advanced wound care.<\/p>\n

This year, a group of four participants from the University of Sherbrooke<\/strong> will take part in this exceptional clinical and humanitarian experience aboard the Africa Mercy<\/em>, which is currently on a mission in Madagascar. The team consists of Chantal Doddridge<\/strong>, a lecturer, will be on her third mission aboard the ship, accompanied by three graduating students enrolled in the graduate-level course in advanced wound care.<\/p>\n

For seven weeks<\/strong>, this team will handle all wound care needs for the mission in Madagascar. Through this clinical immersion, they will serve as the official wound care team for patients who have undergone major surgeries, directly contributing to the quality and continuity of care provided on board.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a mentor and internship coordinator, I had the privilege of watching passionate young nurses step outside their comfort zones and discover just how much they were capable of with last year\u2019s group. On board the Africa Mercy<\/em>, wound care is a crucial step in the healing journey for many patients, particularly during complex surgical procedures. I hope this year\u2019s cohort will have an experience that leaves a lasting impact not only on their professional practice but also on their perspective on diversity and humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013\u00a0 Chantal Doddridge, Lecturer, University of Sherbrooke <\/strong><\/p>\n

The presence of the team from the University of Sherbrooke is particularly significant as Mercy Ships returns to Madagascar<\/strong> for what will be the Africa Mercy<\/em>\u2019s final surgical mission in the country before a period of ship maintenance scheduled for early 2027<\/strong>. The visit by the four Quebecers takes on special significance as the country is still recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani <\/strong>in the winter of 2026, which served as a stark reminder of these regions\u2019 vulnerability to storms and humanitarian crises. Although this mission is shorter than previous ones, it remains essential for both the patients and the teams supporting them. This commitment is further reinforced by a desire for continuity, as the program is set to continue for a third year in 2027. Building of the successful participation from last year, Philippe Salvas-Beauchemin, Wound Care Nurse, is returning to serve onboard the Global Mercy<\/em> in Ghana at the end of 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201c Mercy Ships Canada wishes to recognize the extraordinary solidarity and commitment of the Universit\u00e9 de Sherbrooke toward the patients of Madagascar. By adapting its academic calendar, the University enabled the 2026 cohort to join the Africa Mercy<\/em> team at a time when patient needs were greatest. Their contribution to the wound care department\u2014an essential part of the recovery journey for patients undergoing complex surgeries\u2014reflects a shared commitment to putting patients at the heart of every decision. We also commend the generosity of the participants, who chose to extend their time on board to continue caring for the community they serve with skill and compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 Catherine Tremblay, Development and Volunteer Engagement Lead, Mercy Ships Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n

“At the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sherbrooke, we believe that nursing education is not limited to the acquisition of clinical knowledge, but also involves developing a deep commitment to the most vulnerable people. This partnership with Mercy Ships fully reflects the values we wish to instill in our students: humanism, excellence, knowledge sharing, and social responsibility. Offering our future professionals the opportunity to put the best wound care practices into action in an exceptional humanitarian setting provides an unparalleled learning experience, while making a tangible contribution to improving the quality of life for patients who would otherwise lack access to this specialized care. We are particularly proud to support this initiative and to contribute, in our own way, to this mission that brings hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 Isabelle Reeves, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn more about Mercy Ships’ mission HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About Mercy Ships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organization that deploys the two largest civilian hospital ships in the world, the Africa Mercy <\/em>and the Global Mercy<\/em>, to provide free, high-quality healthcare to the most disadvantaged. The international NGO also supports the development of host countries\u2019 healthcare systems by training healthcare professionals and renovating infrastructure. Founded in Switzerland in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has operated in 55 countries. On board its ships, an average of 2,500 volunteers per year, from 60 countries, contribute to Mercy Ships\u2019 mission. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, cooks, sailors, engineers, and teachers dedicate their time and skills to this cause. With offices in 16 countries and an operational center for Africa based in Dakar, Senegal, Mercy Ships serves nations by restoring health and dignity.<\/p>\n

Source :<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mercy Ships Canada<\/p>\n

For media requests :<\/strong><\/p>\n

EDOUARD BARBEAU | Advisor, Corporate Communications, annexe media<\/p>\n

edouard@annexe.media | +1 514 795 5575<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":15827,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"Mercy Ships Canada and the University of Sherbrooke Strenghthen Their Partnership Aboard the Africa Mercy","_seopress_titles_desc":"Mercy Ships Canada is pleased to mark the second year of its partnership with the University of Sherbrooke, a unique collaboration that began in 2025 and was strengthened in 2026 as part of the Passerelle DEC-BAC in Nursing\u2019s graduate program in advanced wound 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