Transformed lives: our patients
One billion people. That’s the estimated number of individuals who lack access to even basic health care in this world of ours. They suffer from preventable diseases, untreated illnesses, and neglected injuries. Even a simple toothache can turn into a life-threatening crisis. But with the unwavering support and prayers of friends like you, Mercy Ships is determined to bring them hope and healing.
Why Africa?
Basic healthcare is simply out of reach of nearly half the population in sub-Saharan Africa. With only two doctors per 10,000 people, the lack of access to safe and afffordable surgery when it’s needed causes more deaths in the region that HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB combined.
Behind every statistic is a story, a life – a person waiting for hope and healing.
The challenge is immense, but we are making a difference each day by providing surgical and healthcare solutions. We work hand in hand with local partners, mentoring and training people in their healthcare arena, making a sustainable investment into improving healthcare systems for the future.
Mercy Ships exists as a compassionate response to a world in need, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or gender. The core values of Mercy Ships reflect a belief that every individual is made in the image of God, and worthy of a helping hand to alleviate their suffering and hope for a healthier future.
Stories of transformation: our heroic patients
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!
Kadidja
Kadidja A New Smile and A New Future After a Surgery Onboard a Hospital Ship A Child Like any Other At first glance, Kadidja is just like any other child. The 4-year-old girl is happy and energetic. She loves to dance, play, and eat good food. She brightens up any room with her fearless energy […]
Adam Zidane: Life-changing surgery on board a hospital ship
Meet Adam Zidane! Discover the life-changing surgery of Adam onboard our hospital ships in Africa with Mercy Ships.
Emmanuel: A life-changing surgical intervention
Meet Emmanuel! Discover one of our patient’s journey on our hospital ships in Africa with Mercy Ships.
I want to volunteer!
Volunteer testimonies
Our volunteers are selfless servants. They deliver the highest quality care to individuals who otherwise would have little access to medical services. And they pay their own way, so every franc donated to Mercy Ships can go directly to helping the world’s forgotten poor.
Aly & Arnie Hall
Aly & Arnie Hall 30 years after she first volunteered on board as a nurse in Sierra Leone, Aly returns to Mercy Ships with her husband, Arnie. A different kind of sabbatical The Halls are usually pastoring at Manukau Baptist, but soon they will be full-time volunteers with Mercy Ships. For 8 weeks from August […]
Kuo Family
Kuo Family Fred and Maria, Lily, Connor and Asher are about to become crew on board the world’s largest civilian hospital ship. Volunteering with Mercy Ships The Kuo family will be full-time Mercy Ships’ volunteers for 2 years, from June 2023, as Maria serves as a Clinical Ward Supervisor. The family will be living on board […]
Ella Hawthorne
Ella Hawthorne, Ophthalmic Team Manager Ella’s role is vital to the hospital ship work. She not only set up the eye clinic on the new hospital ship Global Mercy, she now leads the clinical eye team on board. Why I volunteer with Mercy Ships. Every day in the Mercy Ships Eye Clinic looks a little […]
Rebekah Wilson
Rebekah Wilson, IT and Library Teacher Rebekah’s role is vital to the hospital ship work as she helps deliver quality education for the children of our international long-term crew – who could volunteer if this was not provided. The crew recognises how much they need each other, and that surgery simply can’t happen without a […]
The Huber family
Kylie and Dan Huber, and Hannah Kylie has volunteered in the operating theatres on three different Mercy Ships. On her last trip in 2006 she met Dan on board. Fast forward to 2023, and Kylie is the clinical supervisor for the operating theatres on the Global Mercy – and this time their daughter is with […]
Judy Harding
Primary school teacher from Dargaville