The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the International Mercy™, was welcomed again to Freetown yesterday in a partnership between worldwide charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) and the Authorities of Sierra Leone to ship greater than 1,400 life-transforming surgical procedures and continued coaching alternatives for Sierra Leonean healthcare employees.
The International Mercy departed the nation in June after spending the earlier ten months performing 1,979 life-changing surgical procedures for 1,728 sufferers and coaching 145 healthcare professionals on board in that point.
The ship’s return adopted an invite from President Julius Maada Bio for Mercy Ships to increase their keep to proceed supporting the supply of secure surgical procedure and coaching in Sierra Leone.
In his deal with final week, President Bio highlighted his dedication to inexpensive and high quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, aiming for Common Well being Protection, and affirmed the partnership with Mercy Ships, which started in 1992.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Well being, the charity chosen sufferers in 12 places throughout the nation for the upcoming discipline service and helps ongoing coaching for employees at Connaught Hospital and college students on the College of Sierra Leone, in keeping with Sierra Leone’s strategic healthcare plan.
The ship’s return, after a quick annual upkeep interval in Tenerife to meet maritime regulation, was celebrated because the International Mercy docked.
The Minister of Well being, Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship for the second time expressing his pleasure concerning the prospects of free surgical procedures for individuals in determined want.
He mentioned: “I’m extraordinarily joyful that Mercy Ships honoured the President’s name to remain longer to offer life-changing surgical procedures and practice our healthcare professionals. Within the subsequent ten months, the ship will carry out over 1,400 free surgical procedures and can proceed on-ship coaching for 130 healthcare employees. As Minister of Well being, I’m enthusiastic about this chance and really happy with the partnership with Mercy Ships.”
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Nation Director for Sierra Leone, mentioned: “We’re delighted that the International Mercy has returned to Sierra Leone. With the sturdy partnerships shaped, we are going to construct upon the prevailing impression and momentum, to help authorities plans in direction of the sustainable growth of the surgical care system.”
The ship, its volunteers and the Sierra Leonean day crew will now put together the hospital on board the ship to ship the following part of free surgical procedures for surgical programmes together with maxillofacial/head and neck, normal, paediatric orthopaedic, paediatric normal, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
Go to www.MercyShips.org for extra info.
Sierra Leone Ministry of Well being:
Abdul S. Brima/James T. Kallay
E mail: communications@mohs.gov.sl
Web site: https://MOHS.Gov.SL
Mercy Ships:
Sophie Barnett
Mercy Ships Worldwide PR Supervisor
E mail: International.media@mercyships.org
Web site: https://MercyShips.Africa/press