Increasing access to surgical care in Africa is vital
In sub-Saharan Africa, 93% of people cannot afford even basic medical care, or live too far from a hospital to access treatment when they or their families need it.
This is the crisis Mercy Ships is fighting to change.
Our impact
Mercy Ships increases access to healthcare for developing nations in Africa. Working with qualified local and international partners, Mercy Ships’ programmes multiply local skills and capacity to make healthcare accessible for all.
The challenge is enormous but each day we are making a difference as we provide surgical and healthcare solutions. As we work alongside local partners, mentoring and training people in their healthcare arena, we are making a sustainable investment into improving the healthcare systems for the future.
Our place in the world
Many nations in Africa are ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index as the least developed nations on earth, with only two doctors per 10,000 people. New Zealand has 10 times that ratio.
A West African woman has a 1/16 chance of dying during pregnancy, it’s a 1/7150 risk in New Zealand. An estimated 70% of Africans live on less than NZ$2.25 each per day to meet all their needs; food, shelter, education and more.
Current field service
Patient transformation stories
Patientin Mairamou
Sieben Jahre litt Mairamou unter Ausgrenzung und Einsamkeit. Mercy Ships schenkte ihr ein neues Lachen.
Story of Aliou
A fire left 3-year old Aliou with third-degree burns on his right arm. With limited access to proper medical care, his arm contracted.
Zackaria: Eye Surgery on a Hospital Ship
Meet Zackaria: Thanks to a Mercy Ships hospital ship, a young boy’s eyesight is restored. Discover his story here!
Countries we have partnered with in Africa
Senegal
The Gambia
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Sierra Leone
Liberia
Ivory Coast
Ghana
Togo
Benin
Niger
Cameroon
Congo
DRC
Uganda
South Africa
Madagascar
Mercy Ships and Africa
Since 1990, Mercy Ships has been partnering with nations in Africa. Mercy Ships is committed to providing surgical services, building medical capacity, and strengthening the health care systems of the nations we serve.