Freetown, Sierra Leone – The world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, the Global Mercy, has launched its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone, marked by the successful surgery of its first patient.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
The milestone came as 40-year-old kekeh driver Mohamed underwent a hernia operation on board the vessel. For more than five years, he endured daily pain while supporting his wife and four children in Freetown. Fear of complications had kept him from seeking treatment until the ship’s return inspired him to act.
Hernias remain a major public health issue in Sierra Leone. A population-based survey has shown a prevalence of 7.7% among adult men – one of the highest recorded globally. Unlike in high-income countries, many cases go untreated, often leaving patients in chronic pain and at risk of life-threatening complications.
Mohamed’s operation, carried out on August 29 after a medical screening, officially opened the Global Mercy’s 2025 field service. Surgeons and medical volunteers from across the world, including the United States, Canada, the UK and Sweden, have joined forces to provide care on board.
The field service was inaugurated with a Partner Welcome Event attended by government leaders, diplomats, church groups, NGOs and business representatives. The gathering celebrated past achievements of Mercy Ships while outlining future goals.
Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised the mission’s impact:
“We have seen Mercy Ships providing clinical services to children who were then able to reintegrate into the school system and their communities. This is a service that restores hope and dignity to patients, and importantly, supports countries like Sierra Leone that are working to strengthen their healthcare workforce.”
The hospital ship, staffed by volunteers, has been fully prepared for surgeries, with hospital director Dr Steven Purdon describing the start as a “powerful testament” to the team’s dedication.
Volunteer surgeon Dr John Zwiacher, who has served with Mercy Ships nine times, emphasised the sense of shared purpose: “We’ve all come here from every corner of the world. No matter our language or background, we share the same mission: to provide surgery and care for patients.”
Mohamed’s one-hour operation was successful, removing his hernia and enabling him to return to work without pain. For him, it represents more than medical relief – it restores dignity and hope for his family’s future.
“This surgery is going to have a huge impact,” Dr Zwiacher said. “It allows Mohamed to return to work without pain.”
