Latest news with #MercyShips
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Inauguration of New Dental Clinic and Groundbreaking of Dental Training Center at Cheikh Anta Diop University
A landmark moment for dental education and access to oral healthcare in Senegal was celebrated this weekend at the Department of Dentistry of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar. Mercy Ships ( in partnership with the Institute of Odontology and Stomatology (IOS), the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and other key stakeholders, inaugurated a brand-new dental clinic and officially laid the foundation stone for a new dental training center, two major projects aimed at transforming dental training and care in Senegal. The ceremony brought together senior representatives from government, academia, the healthcare sector, and Mercy Ships. The event marked both a celebration and a shared commitment to improving oral health services in the country. 'These two infrastructures meet multiple objectives: strengthening national capacities, improving access to quality oral care, by fully integrating initial training into supervised clinical practice,' said Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action. The newly renovated prosthodontics clinic, now fully operational, is equiped with 10 dental chairs and a dedicated radiology room. 'Today marks the tangible launch of an ambitious public health initiative, founded on the core values of dignity, solidarity, and equitable access to healthcare,' stated Professor Bara Ndiaye, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry. The second major development is the upcoming dental training center, designed to further strengthen training infrastructure. Once completed within the next two years, the center will offer 30 dental chairs for increasing specialization for the sub-region, creating a significant boost in both educational and clinical services. 'This collaboration reflects Mercy Ships' long-term commitment to sustainable healthcare capacity building in Senegal and across West Africa,' said David Ugai, Country Director for Guinea at Mercy Ships. This milestone is a direct result of a strong partnership between Mercy Ships, UCAD, and national health and education institutions, working together toward the shared goal of empowering a new generation of dental professionals and expanding access to quality oral healthcare for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information: Gilchrist Koutob Managing Director of the Mercy Ships Africa Service Center. 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 nations in Africa 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
04-08-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Love Heals what shame tried to hide
Three-year-old Armane from rural Madagascar can now smile without shame, thanks to a life-changing cleft lip surgery provided by international charity Mercy Ships ( For his mother, Roseline, the day of Armane's birth was filled with both relief and fear. After a long and difficult labor in a remote rice field, she was handed her baby, but only after the birth attendants tried to hide his face. 'I gave birth to many children, but none of them were like him,' Roseline said. 'When I finally saw him, I kissed him and cried. I was worried. People in the village said he was cursed, not human.' In her village, no one had ever seen a cleft lip before. The condition, a birth defect that occurs when the lip doesn't form fully in the womb, left Armane struggling to eat, speak, and be accepted. Globally, an estimated 4.1 million people live with orofacial clefts, contributing to more than 400,000 lost disability-adjustment life years (DALYs). According to a study published by the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 ( most of the children affected live in low-and middle-income countries. In many high-income settings, babies with cleft lip are diagnosed before birth and receive corrective surgery within the first three months of life. But in low- income countries, access to safe, affordable surgery remains out of reach for thousands of families. Roseline tried everything she could: 'I had to lie down on one side when I needed to breastfeed him because he could not suck on the cleft lip, he wouldn't get any milk,' she said. 'He was very weak; we had to give him vitamins, and he struggled to speak too.' Despite the stigma, Roseline and her husband never gave up hope. When she later encountered Mercy Ships volunteers and saw photos of other children with cleft lips, children who looked just like Armane, hope ignited. After a four-day journey to the Africa Mercy®, they reached the floating hospital ship docked in Toamasina. There, Armane would finally receive the free surgery that would transform his life. 'This is a surgery that takes just one hour, but changes everything,' said American nurse Mollie Felder, who cared for Armane after his operation. 'It's not just about appearance, it's about dignity, confidence, being seen.' At the hospital's HOPE Center, a safe recovery space for patients and caregivers, Armane and his sister found a second family. 'No one stared. Everyone was accepted,' said Denise Gorissen, a Dutch volunteer leading the center. 'That environment of love helps healing begin before the surgery even starts.' Armane's recovery was smooth. And when he returned to his village, the transformation left neighbors stunned. 'Many people came to see him,' said Roseline. 'They couldn't believe it. They had thought this couldn't be fixed.' When Armane's father first saw him, he held him in his arms and kissed him. 'My worry is gone from now on,' he said with relief. For Roseline and her husband, the surgery didn't just restore their son's face, it restored their hope. Once surrounded by shame and whispers, Armane is now surrounded by love, laughter, and a future full of promise. 'I'm so happy, so happy,' says Roseline, her eyes shining. 'My son will no longer be mocked. He will always be loved.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: 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 nations in Africa 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
16-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
‘A Dream Realized': Mercy Ships Supports First-Of-Its-Kind African Dental Education Symposium
What began as a dream two years ago has now become a reality in Casablanca, Morocco. On July 11 and 12, 2025, representatives from 24 nations across the continent gathered at Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé (UM6SS) for the inaugural African Dental Education Symposium, which culminated in the creation of the groundbreaking African Education Dental Association (AEDA). The need for an association of this kind is pressing, as African nations face a critical shortage of dental professionals. According to the World Health Organization, there are just 0.44 dentists per 10,000 people ( in Africa, compared to around 7 per 10,000 ( in many high-income countries. Only 84 dental schools operate ( across 26 African nations. This contributes to the fact that, as of 2021, around 42% of Africa's population have untreated oral diseases. The symposium, initiated by Professor Ihsane Benyayha, Dean of the UM6SS Dental School, and supported by international surgical charity Mercy Ships, brought together deans and directors from dental schools across Africa. This gathering, and its successful signing of a new association, marks a new chapter in intentional collaboration and innovation in dental education. 'I think that we, as African leaders, African professors, African dentists, we can do a lot for our countries. We should help each other. I see that we have an American Dental Education Association, and a European one… Why not an African Education Dental Association?' said Professor Benyayha. 'We're at a time where it should no longer be acceptable for any country to have one dentist per 1 million people. Now is the time to solve this issue and overcome it. All the stakeholders and leaders we need are in this room. We need to ask ourselves; how can we take the next step?' said Dr. David Ugai, Mercy Ships Country Director for Guinea. The African Dental Education Symposium centered around a clear purpose: to catalyze African nations collaborating in new and dynamic ways to train dental professionals, develop sustainable education programs, and strengthen access to dental health throughout the continent. Key to fulfilling this mission is the launch of the African Education Dental Association, modeled after similar associations in the United States and Europe. The association will provide African dental educators with a unified voice, a space for sharing best practices, and a clear structure for long-term collaboration. 'This is the realization of a great dream… This symposium is a necessity because everyone was in their own countries, working in isolation. But thanks to the symposium, we will be able to join forces, combine efforts, and try to share our points of view. Cooperation between African countries will allow the various dental schools in Africa to speak with one voice,' said Professor Mohamed Siddick Fadiga, Head of the Department of the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry Dental School in Guinea. The symposium also featured international leaders, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the American Dental Education Association, and Association for Dental Education in Europe, offering their support as African deans and program directors take the lead in transforming dental education for the next generation. As of 2025, Mercy Ships has partnered with UM6SS to support the training of more than 20 dental professionals from Guinea, Benin, and Madagascar in advanced specialization programs. After graduating, these students will return home equipped to teach, mentor, and expand access to dental care in their own communities. 'This symposium is the first to my knowledge. It's the first time I've seen so many schools come together in one country to discuss the problems of dental education in Africa. So, it's quite clear that this symposium is part of the history of dental education in Africa, and I hope it's just the first of more,' said Professor El Hadj Babacar Mbodj, Dean of UCAD Dental School in Senegal. Mercy Ships' partnerships extend far beyond Morocco. Across Africa, long-term collaboration with universities and ministries of health is helping expand infrastructure, enhance clinical training, and equip faculty to strengthen dental healthcare capacity. These efforts currently span the continent, including: In Guinea, Mercy Ships' ongoing partnership with Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC) has revitalized the nation's dental education opportunities and renovations have more than doubled the school's training capacity. In Senegal, an upcoming expansion to the dental school at Universite Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar will increase clinical training chairs from 30 to over 70. In Togo, Mercy Ships is helping to build the first simulation and clinical training space at the University of Lomé, which first opened a dental program in 2019. In Benin, Mercy Ships is training future educators to reopen the nation's only dental school, which closed in 2018 due to a lack of specialty professors and infrastructure. In Burkina Faso, a brand-new partnership will support training faculty development at the country's growing dental school. In Madagascar, Mercy Ships is sponsoring dentists for specialization to become specialists and future national university professors. In Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia, Mercy Ships is sponsoring a student exchange program through Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry that will increase access to dental education and expand the dentist workforce in their respective countries. 'In the school's years of existence, we have never thought about the next generation of teachers. But thanks to this partnership with Mercy Ships, we have hope for the survival of the school with the continuity of these young graduates who will return with their diplomas to our country. So, this partnership, for us, is very precious,' shared Professor Jeannot Randrianarivony, Dean of the University of Mahajanga Dental School in Madagascar. The African Dental Education Symposium reflects the heart of Mercy Ships' mission: to bring hope and healing through surgical care and education, training, and advocacy. Events like the symposium offer a glimpse into a sustainable future where nations are equipped, educators are empowered, and communities have access to the care they need. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Eveline Vanduynhoven International PR manager – Special Projects Mercy Ships 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 nations in Africa 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.
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Mercy Ships Partners with Angel Studios for Exclusive Launch of Award-Winning Reality Series "THE MERCY SHIPS"
GARDEN VALLEY, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercy Ships, the global nonprofit organization delivering healthcare to low- and middle-income countries via hospital ships, announces that the award-winning reality series The Mercy Ships premiered on June 18, exclusively on and the Angel apps. The series chronicles the mission of the world's largest civilian-run hospital ships as they deliver free surgeries and healthcare services to coastal African communities. The first three episodes will stream free of charge and feature volunteers from throughout the United States. "We are thrilled to partner with Angel Studios to share the powerful stories of transformation happening aboard our hospital ships," said Caleb Read, VP of Advancement at Mercy Ships 'Our mission is made possible through thousands of volunteers including medical professionals, bakers, mechanics, videographers and many others who give their time and talents. This series captures the heart of our volunteers—their passion, dedication, and the life-changing impact they make every day serving those who need it most.' "In a world where 16.9 million lives are lost each year from lack of access to surgical care, Mercy Ships is a lifeline," said Jared Geesey, Chief Distribution Officer at Angel. "The stories of both the volunteers and the patients they serve resonated with the Angel Guild in a deep way." View the trailer HERE With the pilot episode winning the Silver Telly Award in the General Reality Category, The Mercy Ships takes viewers behind the scenes of the mission to provide life-changing surgeries and medical care where access to healthcare is often limited. Viewers globally will meet the international volunteer professionals aboard the Africa Mercy ® and Global Mercy ® —doctors, nurses, technicians, teachers, chefs, and everyday heroes—who dedicate their lives to bringing hope and healing where it's needed most. This immersive series reveals what it's truly like to live and work aboard the state-of-the-art floating hospitals. Through tears, trials, setbacks, and triumphs, The Mercy Ships showcases the power of mercy in action—from critical surgeries to moments of quiet courage and unexpected joy. With a volunteer crew spanning the globe, Mercy Ships is transforming lives—not just of patients, but of everyone on board. This series is a celebration of human resilience, love, and the belief that no one should suffer or die simply because of where they were born. Volunteers from the United States who are featured in the series include: Bambi Hawkins (Executive Assistant-Williamsport, PA) Morgan Georgioff (Galley Staff Lead-Seaside, OR) Joli Chou (Maxillofacial Surgeon- Philadelphia, PA) George Beinetti (Carpenter- Syracuse, NY) Abigail Beinetti (Videographer- Syracuse, NY) Orianna Parunak (Physical therapist- Virginia Beach, VA) Jenny Roland (OR Manager- Waynesville, NC) John Roland (Hospital Photographer- Waynesville, NC) Hannah Beckler (Media Liaison- Pasadena, CA) Claire Burdick (Creative Coordinator- Costa Mesa, CA) Connor Rogers (Carpenter- Corbett, OR) LeAnne Ferrell (Transportation Manager- Dana Point, CA) Ryan Moore (Chaplain- Clarkston, MI) Kara Moore (Primary Caregiver- Clarkston, MI) Mike Kirchner (Social Studies Teacher- Sugarland, TX) Caroline Kirchner (Hospitality services- Sugarland, TX) To learn more about the series, visit 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. About Angel Angel is a values-based distribution company for stories that amplify light to mainstream audiences. Through the Angel Guild, over 1,200,000 paying members from more than 170 different countries help decide what film and television projects the studio will market and distribute, and support the filmmakers who create films and series that amplify light. Learn more at
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Next Chapter in Transformative Surgical Care as Mercy Ships and Ministry of Health Prepare for August Return
In partnership with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, international charity Mercy Ships ( is preparing for the next phase of its ongoing mission to deliver free, life-changing surgeries and training for healthcare professionals. This new phase is scheduled to begin in August. As part of the preparations, the Global Mercy ™ is temporarily leaving Sierra Leone for a planned maintenance period in Cadiz, Spain. The ship will return in August to continue delivering specialised surgical care until the ship departs in June 2026. Even after the ship departs, a team on the ground will continue working alongside our partners to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce and surgical care system through 2030. This aligns with the government's national priorities to improve access to essential surgical care and strengthen medical capacity. Since its initial arrival in Freetown in August 2023, the world's largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship has provided over 3,630 free surgeries and training for more than 290 healthcare professionals, on board the ship as well as on the ground. Each week, the ship has had between 4 and 8 Sierra Leonean participants receiving on-ship training. Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: 'We look forward to the ship's return in August as we continue to partner with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to strengthen surgical care. Even after the ship departs in 2026, our agreement with the government underscores a shared commitment to lasting impact through 2030. We're already witnessing the ripple effect of this sustained partnership in action.' When the Global Mercy returns in August 2025, this will mark the charity's third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone and its eighth visit to the country since 1992, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at improving access to safe surgical care for those who need it most. The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, said: 'Our partnership with Mercy Ship has been truly life-transforming for the people of this country. As a government, we are very proud of the significant contributions they are making in improving access to free surgical services as well as improving capacity of the health workforce through training. We look forward to the next field service and we will provide all the support necessary to make more Sierra Leoneans benefit from their assistance.' Mercy Ships will continue working alongside the University of Sierra Leone to support the delivery of the nurse anaesthesia diploma course, helping to address the country's current shortage of anaesthesia providers. The long-term aim is for this program to be fully led by Sierra Leonean faculty to ensure a sustainable increase in qualified professionals. In addition, Mercy Ships is continuing to partner with the Connaught Hospital in the Safer Surgery programme, which has an emphasis on strengthening surgical teams and working towards measurable improvements in patient care. Support for dental education will continue through the sponsorship of Sierra Leonean dental students studying at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Guinea, in partnership with the University of Sierra Leone. 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.
