President Dr Julius Maada Bio hosted a farewell lunch for Sierra Leonean crew members and volunteers from the Global Mercy ship, using the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to improving collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Sierra Leone government. The event marked the conclusion of a three-year field service that government officials and Mercy Ships leaders described as transformative for the country’s surgical care, workforce development, and institutional capacity.
Mercy Ships leaders, Sierra Leonean volunteers who served on board, senior government officials, and health sector representatives attended the event. Mr Matthew Murray, speaking on behalf of the Mercy Ships leadership, expressed gratitude to President Bio and the government for their hospitality and cooperation during the vessel’s visit to Sierra Leone. “Your government’s respect and support for us is greatly appreciated. Sierra Leoneans have been extraordinarily warm and welcoming. We are also grateful to the numerous Sierra Leonean volunteers who have assisted us over the years. We are fortunate to have so many of them here today to express their gratitude,” he said.
Mercy Ships volunteers shared moving stories about the mission’s impact. Mr Albert Sam and Mr Edward Carew, representing the Sierra Leonean crew, told stories of people whose lives had been profoundly changed by surgical interventions and rehabilitative care provided through the partnership. They described Mercy Ships as “more than a ship; it is a vessel of hope and transformation,” emphasising that patients like Amara and Mama Musu, whose recoveries were highlighted during the program, represent the thousands of restored lives across the country.
Dr Austin Demby, the Minister of Health, praised both the President and Mercy Ships for their achievements over the last three years. He called the farewell “one of the happiest moments” of his career and praised President Bio’s leadership and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes. “This is one of the most joyful times of my life. President Julius Maada Bio is a leader whose dedication to improving Sierra Leoneans’ lives continues to inspire trust. On behalf of Sierra Leoneans, I thank His Excellency and the entire Mercy Ships team for their exceptional service. Dr Demby stated that “more than 4,000 successful surgeries represent thousands of stories of hope, healing, and renewed dignity.”
Beyond surgery, the Health Minister emphasised Mercy Ships’ broader contributions to Sierra Leone’s health care system. Mercy Ships invested in clinical and ancillary healthcare worker training, supported institutional strengthening, and collaborated with national institutions to improve long-term system resilience throughout its mission. Dr Demby emphasised that these investments would benefit both the country’s healthcare workforce and patients in the long run.
President Bio expressed heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration and praised the Sierra Leonean volunteers who assisted Mercy Ships’ efforts at home and on board the Global Mercy. He stated that the organisation’s trust in Sierra Leone and long-term collaboration had resulted in “life-changing and life-saving opportunities” for many citizens. “I’d like to thank you for your excellent service and for providing many Sierra Leoneans with life-changing and life-saving opportunities. Your belief in our country and dedication to collaboration have left an indelible mark. The accomplishments of the last three years have been remarkable, and the benefits will be felt for generations,” the President stated.
Recognising that the Global Mercy would soon leave Sierra Leonean shores, President Bio emphasised that the vessel’s physical departure would not diminish the long-term legacy of the work completed. He emphasised the training provided to local healthcare professionals, the strengthened institutions, and the numerous lives saved as long-term outcomes that will benefit the country. “The ship may depart, but the legacy will endure. The training provided to our healthcare professionals, the lives changed, and the institutions strengthened will continue to serve our country for many years to come,” he said, praising the volunteers who exemplified Sierra Leone’s values of compassion, professionalism, and service.
Mercy Ships leadership later presented President Bio with a plaque recognising his exceptional support and partnership as a token of gratitude for his assistance during the three-year field service. The presentation concluded the formal program and served as a symbolic affirmation of the organisation’s strong ties to Sierra Leone.
Participants say Mercy Ships’ mission in Sierra Leone has resulted in thousands of free surgical procedures, as well as significant investments in training and system strengthening. Mercy Ships and government officials viewed the collaboration as a successful public-private partnership that provided immediate clinical benefits and strengthened the country’s capacity for future care.
Delegates and volunteers left the event reflecting on the personal and institutional gains made possible by the partnership. As the Global Mercy prepares to depart, both the government and Mercy Ships have pledged to explore ways to sustain and deepen collaboration, ensuring that the clinical, educational, and institutional advances made during the mission continue to expand access to quality healthcare in Sierra Leone.
