Latest news with #MercyShips
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Belmont Abbey nursing students among five nationwide taking part in Mercy Ships internship in Madagascar
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Three Belmont Abbey nursing students have been selected among only five nationwide to join a Mercy Ships internship program. Nursing students Emma Harris, Caroline Gutierrez and Eric Dike will take part in the inaugural summer internship program. Mercy Ships is a global Christian nonprofit organization that delivers healthcare to communities in medical deserts by operating fully volunteer staffed hospital ships that provide free, life-changing surgeries and medical care. Charlotte nonprofit gives families furniture to 'make their house into a home' This summer, the trio will spend two weeks aboard a floating hospital ship in Madagascar, the Africa Mercy, shadowing medical professionals, assisting in transformative surgeries, and witnessing care being delivered to those who would otherwise go untreated. All three are from North Carolina: Gutierrez, Gastonia; Harris, Charlotte, Dike, Wake Forest. But this once-in-a-lifetime experience comes with a challenge. Gutierrez, Dike and Harris must raise funds to cover their travel and participation costs. They've each launched a GoFundMe campaign to make this mission possible. The Belmont Abbey students will depart with Mercy Ships on July 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
From Commitment to Change: Leaders Call for Action to Bridge a Gap in Surgical Access
At a pivotal World Health Assembly (WHA) side event in Geneva, the non-governmental organizations Mercy Ships ( and Operation Smile commemorated a decade of leadership in global efforts to enhance access to equitable surgical care. This event brought together global leaders, health ministers, and experts to celebrate progress, and confront the urgent challenges that remain in delivering safe, affordable surgical care to all. Despite growing awareness and political resolutions that have been adopted, 5 billion people still lack access to safe, affordable surgical care. (Global Surgery 2030: evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare, and economic development - The Lancet) ( This gap between commitment and reality was a central theme throughout the event held during the 78th WHA last Wednesday. Dr. Neema Kaseje, a pediatric humanitarian surgeon working in Kakuma Refugee Camp, emphasized the human stories behind those statistics: women in urgent need of lifesaving C-sections and children with congenital conditions kept from the opportunity of attending school. 'We now know that 5 billion people lack access to surgery. But operationally, we are far behind. Access alone isn't enough,' she added. 'Poor-quality surgical services can worsen outcomes. We need to ensure access to high-quality care, especially in fragile and rural contexts.' Echoing that, Dr. Barnabas Alayande, General Surgeon and faculty member at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda said, 'Even after training 2,500 surgeons since 2015, surgical workforce density has barely increased, just 0.06 per 100,000. At the current pace of workforce development, it could take 300 years to train enough surgeons to meet global demand. We need to start thinking creatively: leveraging technology like telementoring, hub-and-spoke models, and place-based education to improve rural retention. We must rethink who we train, where and how.' Political Commitment A highlight came from Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ghana's Minister of Health, who delivered a powerful address, underscoring the nation's commitment to equitable surgical care. Highlighting the September 2024 launch of Ghana's National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP), he framed access to surgical services as a matter of justice, not just health. The plan, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, is built around six pillars, from infrastructure to financing. In less than a year, Ghana has assessed over 100 facilities for surgical facilities, trained more than 300 providers, and procured essential equipment. 'Surgical indicators have been incorporated into Ghana's national health information system (DHIMS), and the country is moving toward a 20% salary incentive for health workers in rural areas to improve retention,' he said. While Ghana demonstrates what is possible, other nations remain stalled. Dr. Emmanuel Makasa, a longtime advocate and orthopedic surgeon, emphasized that political will must translate into horizontal integration, not isolated or vertical programs. 'Innovation is also essential. We need regional collaboration to produce critical surgical supplies such as sutures, blades, and IV fluids, so countries can support each other and reduce dependency. Sustainability comes not from rhetoric, but from action, integration, and innovation that is rooted in system-wide responsibility.' Building for the Future While the past decade focused heavily on data, indicators, definitions, and metrics, several speakers highlighted the need to now use that foundation to drive transformation. 'The focus on metrics, definitions, and data collection has been foundational,' said Dr. Caroline Haylok-Loor, Anesthesiologist and President-elect of the World Federation of the Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) council. 'It gave us direction, tangible solutions backed by evidence from studies and systematic reviews. Now we are aware; there is clarity about the challenges and where we need to go.' Dr. Teri Reynolds, who leads Clinical Services in the department of Integrated Health System at the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted how the movement has inspired a new generation of health professionals, surgeons and anesthesiologists who gained opportunities and experiences they wouldn't have had without the pathways opened by the global surgery movement. Partnership as a Driving Force A recurring theme of the evening was the power of partnership. Dr. Ayala issued a powerful call for multisectoral collaboration. Governments cannot do it alone. NGOs, foundations, and the private sector must work together, sharing expertise and learning, to transform partnerships into sustainable impact. Marina Anselme, Secretary General of the MSC Foundation, shared how industry and the private sector can play a supporting but vital role in strengthening health systems. 'We support Mercy Ships and Operation Smile by transporting emergency medical items and enabling free surgical care around the world. In addition, we are co-financing the construction of a new hospital ship, committing to cover 50% of its cost over the next three years.' To close the evening, Dr. Walt Johnson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Mercy Ships, underscored that partnerships are not just rhetoric; they are the engine driving progress in global surgery. 'If you recall, Millennium Development Goal 8 was about partnerships. So is SDG 17, which, in reality, remains in existence until 2030,' he said. 'Every one of you, whether from member states, regional offices, or academic institutions, has a role and is a partner. Everything we do depends on partnership. It's fundamental to getting across the finish line for global surgery.' With stronger policy implementation, coordinated action, and a shared commitment to equity, the global health community is moving closer to a future where access to surgery is not a privilege, but a guarantee for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships Senior Manager of International PR About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media. About Operation Smile: Operation Smile is a leading global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, mentorship, research and care through our dedicated staff and volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners. For more information about Operation Smile, please visit:
Business Upturn
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
South Florida PBS Health Channel Premieres The Surgery Ship, a Powerful Docuseries Featuring Mercy Ships' Life-Changing Medical Mission
Boynton Beach, FL, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The South Florida PBS Health Channel is proud to announce the premiere of The Surgery Ship, a compelling docuseries that takes viewers aboard a floating hospital delivering critical medical care to some of the world's most underserved populations. The eight-part series debuts Friday, May 23 at 8 PM, with new episodes airing every Friday at 8 PM. The Surgery Ship intimately follows the real-life work of Mercy Ships, a global nonprofit that operates the world's largest non-governmental hospital ships. The series offers a front-row seat to the work of dedicated volunteer medical professionals aboard Mercy Ships' state-of-the-art floating hospitals as they deliver life-saving surgeries and healthcare to some of the most medically underserved regions in the world. Viewers will witness extraordinary cases—including unchecked tumors, severe deformities, and life-threatening conditions—while also confronting the ethical and emotional challenges these professionals face when resources are limited and the needs are great. Every day my work brings real change to people's lives and that's an immense joy for me,' says Dr. Gary Parker, volunteer surgeon with Mercy Ships. 'Many of my patients have been told they're worthless and they feel like they don't belong. After surgery they see themselves in a new light, realizing their intrinsic worth. I will never tire of witnessing this transformation.' As patients arrive with hope in their eyes, doctors and nurses are tasked with making impossible decisions—who gets treatment, and who must wait. It's a powerful journey that explores not just medicine, but also compassion, humanity, and resilience. 'The Surgery Ship tells the powerful stories of the patients, families and volunteers who all had their lives dramatically changed while on board the ship. The series is riveting, compelling and in many ways, heartwarming. We think viewers will love the stories, the culture and the joy they see on screen,' said Penelope Douglas, Director of Content & Acquisitions, South Florida PBS. Watch the premiere on Friday, May 23 at 8 PM on the Health Channel, and stream anytime here: About the Health Channel: AllHealthGo is South Florida PBS' exciting new digital health media venture that is building a trusted source of health and wellness information for consumers hungry for information and understanding. Through AllHealthGo's Health Channel, the only 24/7 health and wellness TV channel in the country, we connect you with medical and well-being specialists in real-time, promoting healthier lifestyle options. In partnership with prestigious organizations, the service aims to empower you with the most up-to-date information, enabling you to take more control of your and your family's health. To complement the live interactions with medical and well-being specialists, AllHealthGo offers a robust companion digital platform that provides access to specialized services. About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @MercyShips on social media. Attachment The Surgery Ship Press Release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Trained to Lead: How One Nurse is Changing Healthcare in Sierra Leone
Driven by compassion and determination, nurse Betty Koker is transforming patient care in Sierra Leone — showing how mentorship and local leadership are building a stronger healthcare system. Betty Koker's nursing journey began with a childhood tragedy. "I lost my mom... she died after giving birth," she recalled, her voice calm but firm. "According to my dad, it was due to the negligence of the nurses. And from there, I decided to become a nurse so that I can help people, especially children, not to become orphans." Fueled by that vow, Betty left her hometown of Bo for Freetown, determined to turn grief into purpose. She enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) at the University of Sierra Leone. She graduated as a nurse in 2016. After graduation, Betty didn't take a break — she put her education into action. "I went to the nurse in charge, pleaded with her, and said, 'I will volunteer. I'll work for free.'' A full-time nurse at Connaught Hospital, Freetown's largest public hospital, Betty continues to pour her heart into her work. She's also a dedicated participant in a mentoring program run by the international charity Mercy Ships' Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) Department, where she's expanding both her skills and her impact. Learning with Mercy Ships The ETA program pairs local healthcare workers with seasoned mentors. At Connaught Hospital, Betty began working alongside Katie Henderson, a nurse mentor from the UK, who quickly saw something special in Betty. The program introduced Betty and her peers to structured nursing protocols, such as A-to-E and neurovascular assessments, which are tools designed to identify deteriorating patients so that their level of care can be elevated. But beyond clinical technique, the human touch set Betty apart. "I witnessed Betty educating a patient who was preparing for surgery," said Katie. "This patient was quite nervous about going down to surgery; he was worried that he was not going to be safe, and he was just worried about the outcomes of his surgery. I watched Betty use her training to educate him and ease his worries. She was so confident in her ability, and that made me proud.' Many of the assessment tools were new to Betty, but hands-on mentorship helped turn theory into practice.. "There are things we learned which we have not been doing here. So, being mentored really helped us put them into practice. And there have been moments we have put many of these things into practice," Betty said. Her learning journey didn't stop there. Betty boarded the Global Mercy™, the world's largest civilian hospital ship, for an immersive training experience. There, she stepped into a fast-paced clinical environment where theory met practice. "I worked in the orthopedic department, where children learn five key exercises with us," she explained. "From here, we'll put them into practice [at Connaught], and I know it will be very helpful for us.' Beyond orthopedic care, Betty participated in emergency simulations in the Global Mercy Simulation Center — managing post-operative complications, performing rapid A-to-E assessments, and making split-second decisions. It was an opportunity to practice these skills in a safe environment, preparing her for real-work practice. The Impact of Mercy Ships Through Mentorship For Betty, the most powerful lessons didn't just come from textbooks or simulations but from watching someone lead with consistency, heart, and excellence. "What I have learned from Katie is dedication. She's very dedicated to her job," Betty said, elated. "When Katie says she's coming at 8 a.m., she shows up at 8am. She is very time conscious, dedicated, and compassionate." That consistency created a ripple effect. Under Katie's mentorship, Betty and her peers began to sharpen their focus and raise their standards. "Whenever she's around for a sort of monitoring, we all come around the patient... she can do the correction whenever necessary. If there is no correction needed, Katie applauds you and gives you a reason to do more." Bringing Knowledge and Change Back Home Back at Connaught, Betty returned with new knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. She is determined to implement what she's learned despite limited resources. "It exposes you to see reality. In Connaught, there are things that we just don't have. On Mercy Ships, they have everything... but it teaches us to improvise," she said. Her transformation wasn't just professional; it was deeply personal. "Sometimes love... you can show love without being paid for it... you can show compassion without being paid for it," she said. "A smile can lift pain from so many people.' She hopes Mercy Ships' role will have a lasting impact. "They are not helping us so we should depend on them. They are helping us to depend on whatsoever we must build up our healthcare facilities," Betty explained. Looking Ahead With Hope For Betty, the future isn't just about what she can do — it's about who she's becoming. She believes the nurse mentorship program at Mercy Ships isn't just shaping skills; it's shaping systems and outcomes. "It will influence my work positively in Connaught because here, I have learned to be more precise and I know it will help my patients," Betty said. When asked what people in Freetown say about Mercy Ships, she smiled: "Back at Connaught, people say Mercy Ships is a godsend… that they are sent here to help people. They are everywhere." And when she reflects on what makes a great nurse, Betty doesn't point to high-tech tools or perfect conditions. Instead, she looks inward. "The main thing I've learned here is whatever you are doing, you should be compassionate about it. You should do it with love, confidence, and teamwork." Through her journey, Betty Koker hasn't just grown as a nurse; she's stepped into her future as a leader. Learn how you can support Mercy Ships' healthcare training and mentorship in Sierra Leone today ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships International PR Manager About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy ® and the Global Mercy ™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
International Nurses Day: Nurse-Led Team Honored for Bringing Dignified Care and Support To Terminally Ill Patients on Hospital Ship in Africa
The compassionate care of a team of palliative care nurses from the United States and the Netherlands and two crew members from Sierra Leone are the first recipients of the Mercy Ships DAISY Team Award, a collaboration between international charity Mercy Ships ( and the DAISY Foundation™. The team serves on board the Global Mercy ™ hospital ship currently docked in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The DAISY Team Award honors collaboration by a nurse-led team of two or more people who identify and meet patient and/or patient family needs by going above and beyond the traditional role of nursing. This is the first time the award has been presented to a nurse-led team serving on a hospital ship in Africa and will be given each year on International Nurses Day to honor and celebrate the work of Mercy Ships' volunteer nurse-led teams. As part of the Palliative Care team, these individuals provide comfort and support to terminally ill patients whose conditions fall outside the scope of surgical intervention, demonstrating extraordinary compassion for those facing incurable illness. The interdisciplinary team consists of: Maria Brown – United States (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Renae Kramer – United States (Billings, Montana) Willianne Kramer – Netherlands (Urk) Samuel Tamba Essah – Sierra Leone (Konyomadu, Kailahun District) Gloria Cobba – Sierra Leone (Moyamba district) In recognizing the team for the award, Tami Honnen, Director of Nursing for Mercy Ships, cited their extraordinary compassion, resilience, and holistic approach to providing care. 'This team is an astounding joy to know as they go well beyond traditional palliative care efforts,' said Honnen. 'Peers that nominated them indicate they share faith in a tangible, loving way despite the most heartbreaking situations. Their efforts extend beyond medical and emotional support by helping families recover from the economic impact of illness.' An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with nations in Africa for the past three decades, delivering surgery to those that have little access to safe medical care. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the medical infrastructure of these nations to leave a lasting impact. 'The nurse-led team recognized with this award includes two crew members, Samuel Tamba Essah and Gloria Cobba from Sierra Leone, who also play a vital role in the palliative care team in helping patients and families navigate some of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion,' said Honnen. 'With backgrounds in humanitarian work, advocacy, and counselling, they each bring deep cultural awareness and local insight to the palliative care team's holistic approach.' Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, said, 'Being able to honor and celebrate an extraordinary international team like Maria, Renae, Willianne, Samuel, and Gloria is a dream come true for us at DAISY. What they and so many others serving on Mercy Ships provide is the essence of compassionate nursing care that we created The DAISY Award to recognize. We are deeply proud that Mercy Ships has chosen The DAISY Award to express gratitude to their extraordinary teams who care for such vulnerable patients and families.' About this year's award recipients: Maria Brown specializes in medical-surgical and hospice nursing, providing holistic care that addresses patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Maria has experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) in hospice and medical-surgical units, as well as a certified nursing assistant in long-term and memory care. Her skills include patient and family education, end-of-life care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is certified as an RN and public health nurse by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Concordia University. Renae Kramer has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and emergency medical services. Renae has worked in healthcare settings across Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota, and North Dakota, providing comprehensive patient care, managing nursing teams, and coordinating care for geriatric and transplant patients. Renae holds an Associate of Arts in Nursing and an EMT-B license from Flatwood Valley Community College. She graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing program at Red Wing Technical College. Willianne Kramer has diverse experience in homecare, nursing homes, high dependency care, psychiatry, and general surgery. She completed internships in Israel and the Netherlands, worked in specialized homecare and palliative care, and plans to further her expertise in hospice or oncology. Willianne holds a bachelor's degree in nursing (level 6) from Hoornbeeck College te Kampe and a first aid certificate for adults and children. Samuel Tamba Essah has been involved with Mercy Ships since 2001. He has held land-based roles, worked with patient selection, and has served on the Anastasis, the Africa Mercy®, and the Global Mercy. He started working as national crew for the Palliative Care team during the last field service and calls it a blessing. He has a diploma in motor vehicle engineering and has been involved in humanitarian work since 1999. Passionate about advocacy, he was part of a mission that engaged rural communities with gender awareness outreach and a mission that distributed food supplies to rural communities after the war in Sierra Leone. Gloria Cobba works with the Palliative Care team as national crew. Her first degree is in logistics and procurement while her second, and most recent, is in guidance and counselling. She has over a decade of active humanitarian and research work experience. She has served with different NGOs; reaching different provinces in Sierra Leone, carrying out surveys, and partaking in projects that impact lives. She joined Mercy Ships in 2023 and really enjoys working with the Palliative Care team. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media. About the DAISY Foundation: The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the nursing profession through recognition programs as well as grants for nursing research, evidence-based practice, medical missions, and continuing education. The DAISY Foundation was created in 1999 in memory of the extraordinary nursing care provided to J. Patrick Barnes during his eight-week hospitalization for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an auto-immune disease. His family's drive to say 'thank you' to nurses for the compassionate and skillful care they provide daily has evolved to play a strategic role in healthcare organizations by providing unique, meaningful, and impactful recognition that benefits nurses and their work organizations. Today, more than 7,300 healthcare facilities and nursing schools are committed to honoring nurses in 43 countries.
