Construction

Construction of Facilities in Developing Nations
Hospitals, clinics and schools in developing nations commonly fall short of the need. Years of war have often deteriorated buildings, and ageing infrastructure is unable to meet the burgeoning need.

Improved access to health care
Most of the time, health care is inaccessible for those who are living in developing countries. For some, the cost of receiving health care is too high, while for others hospitals are too far away or just plain non-existent. By constructing and equipping medical centres, plus coordinating and expanding the provision of health care, proper access to treatment will improve. In war-torn nations, many existing hospitals and clinics have been looted or damaged, making them useless to the local population.

Statistics

• Every day 35,000 African children die from diseases linked to poverty and malnutrition.
• Nutrient deficiencies can lead to poor mental development, a compromised immune system, numerous deficiency-related illnesses, poor maternal outcomes, and even death.
• The impact of these diseases on the health system and the economy of a country are significant.
• Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest proportion in the world of people living in extreme poverty, according to the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

Transformational health care through Construction Projects

Bringing Hope and Healing
In communities lacking resources, Mercy Ships helps turn vision into reality. Together with local leaders, development teams assess community needs and provide skills and the material for building projects. Projects include building hospitals, clinics and other public facilities.

Mercy Ships manage and hire locals to get largely unemployed people back to work. During construction phases,  teams train local community members in building skills. The fact that residents are actively involved in Mercy Ships projects gives the local community a stronger sense of ownership.

Medical projects
Our main goal is to increase access to health care. Mercy Ships has supported various medical projects such as: the construction of a youth health centre to provide young people with a safe place to receive treatment
and education; clinic facilities and equipment for service, and a new maternity unit to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.