On June 5, 2026, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio attended the Mercy Ships Partners’ Thank You Event. The event marked the end of Mercy Ships’ three-year mission in Sierra Leone and celebrated the Government and Mercy Ships’ commitment to strengthening the country’s health sector. The partnership provided life-changing surgical care, professional training, and health system support to thousands of Sierra Leoneans. The meeting established a framework for future collaboration.
Mercy Ships Managing Director Matt Murray kicked off the event by thanking President Bio for his “visionary leadership and steadfast support,” which he said created the enabling environment for Mercy Ships to operate successfully in the country. “Your Excellency, your leadership and dedication to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans have been critical to the success of our mission.” “We are deeply grateful for the support we have received and for the opportunity to serve alongside the people of Sierra Leone,” Murray stated.
Dr Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director, announced a new ten-year framework agreement to expand the organisation’s engagement in Sierra Leone during the event. Dr Lako stated that the renewed long-term agreement aims to sustain surgical services, develop local health professionals, and support health systems in line with the government’s reform priorities.
Mercy Ships’ decade-long framework reflects their trust in Sierra Leone’s health reform agenda and the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable system.
President Bio delivered the keynote address, thanking the Mercy Ships crew, international volunteers, local healthcare professionals, development partners, and the many Sierra Leoneans who helped make the mission a success. He reiterated that healthcare is a critical component of his administration’s Human Capital Development Agenda, emphasising that investments in health are investments in national prosperity. “Healthcare is more than just a social service; it is a commitment to our people and our future. A healthy population is critical to national development, productivity, and prosperity. That is why my administration continues to prioritise healthcare as an important component of our Human Capital Development Agenda,” the President stated.
President Bio emphasised that Mercy Ships’ impact will last beyond the vessel’s physical presence, thanks to the partnership’s efforts to strengthen institutions, increase professional capacity, and improve access to quality medical services.
The three-year mission’s legacy of treating thousands of patients, training clinicians, and improving systems will benefit Sierra Leoneans for generations, according to the speaker. “While the vessel may leave Sierra Leone’s shores, its impact will be felt through thousands of lives transformed, healthcare professionals trained, and institutions strengthened,” he said.
The President urged African nations to collaborate on shared health challenges by promoting innovative solutions through strategic partnerships, investment, and knowledge sharing. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to collaborating with partners to build a resilient health system that can meet the needs of its citizens.
The event brought together government officials, health sector leaders, development partners, Mercy Ships volunteers, and beneficiaries to celebrate achievements and plan for future cooperation under the new ten-year framework.
