Your philanthropy will transform lives
Your kindness today could give so many a brighter tomorrow.
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been performing life-changing surgeries on board our hospital ships and bringing eduation and training to local healthcare professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. There is so much hope to give, and so many ways to give it. Through a partnership with Mercy Ships, your support will make a lasting impact. Join us today and see how you can help transform lives.
Why ships?
Our hospital ships bring free, life-changing surgeries directly to women, men and children who need help most. Every year, we train thousands of healthcare professionals onboard our floating hospitals.
Why Africa?
Nine out of ten people in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to safe surgery. We partner with African nations to build stronger healthcare services. Together, we make a lasting impact – long after our ships depart.
Why you?
Our hospital ships are powered by you. With your support, we can bring hope and healing to people who have no one else to turn to.
Meet Abubakarr
Abubakarr was born in Sierra Leone with an extra toe on both feet, making it difficult for him to run and often causing him to stumble. Unable to wear proper shoes, he’d cry from the sidelines as he watched other boys play football.
It was painful for his family to see him face exclusion, but without access to the specialist surgery he needed, there was little they could do. Sadly, Abubakarr’s family is not alone. More than 90% of Sierra Leone’s surgical needs are unmet, leaving many families facing the physical, emotional, and social impact of treatable conditions.
But on board our hospital ships, there is hope. On the Global Mercy, Abubakarr received life-changing free surgery that removed the extra toes and restored full function to his feet. Today, he can run freely, play football with his friends, wear regular shoes, and step into the future with confidence.
Surgical spotlight: reconstructive plastics
93% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa can’t access affordable surgery when they need it.
Since 1978, we’ve transformed the lives of more than 2.9 million people through these surgeries and medical education programmes.
Our volunteers have trained more than 56,500 healthcare professionals.
Right now, our two hospital ships are serving in Sierra Leone and Madagascar. The reconstructive plastics surgeries we offer are life-changing for patients with debilitating tumours or those with painful burn scars and limited movement of their limbs. For these patients, physical challenges are often just the beginning. Left untreated, many also face isolation from their communities because of stigma and fear.
In the coming months, our volunteer specialist surgeons will:
- Perform skin grafts for burn injuries
- Separate conjoined fingers or toes
- Restore quality of life through complex reconstructive plastic surgeries.
Your generous support makes this life-changing work possible
We have a vision that, one day…
- More people like Abubakarr will be able to get the medical care they need, whenever they need it.
- More African surgeons will be trained and empowered to serve their own people.
- More health clinics will be open and fully equipped with surgical supplies.
Or contact our office to discuss all other options to donate such as wire transfers or support creating a fundraising event using JustGiving.
01438 727 800 | info@mercyships.org.uk
Empowering healthcare providers across Africa
Dr Thierno Bah’s experience and skill as an ophthalmic surgeon have already made him a vital part of Guinea’s healthcare system.
But the training he received on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, was monumental. It was one of the most significant opportunities he’s ever had to strengthen his own skills – and in turn, help strengthen others’ skills.
Dr Bah now runs his own clinic in Guinea, offering surgical care and training surgical specialists.
Mentored Guinean eye surgeon trains 35 African surgeons
A talented surgeon who is always seeking to learn, Dr Thierno Bah, has travelled to cities around the world for training and conferences. His experience and skill as an ophthalmic surgeon have already made him a vital part of Guinea’s…
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Committed to transparency
You can trust us. For every £1 donated, 75p goes directly to the running of our hospital ships, surgeries and training programmes.
Mercy Ships is compliant with established standards for financial accountability, fundraising, and board governance.
- For every £1 you give...
75p helps run our hospital ships and medical training
12p helps raise more funds
13p helps cover our admin costs