The Africa Mercy departed from Cotonou, in Benin, on June 3rd, 2017, after a ten-month stay in the port city.
While docked in Benin, the volunteer crew onboard completed 1’957 surgeries, transforming the lives of 1’793 patients and their families.
As well as delivering direct medical interventions on the ground in Benin, Mercy Ships worked hard to equip local medical staff with the knowledge and facilities needed to continue Mercy Ships work after the ship left Cotonou. The Mercy Ships capacity building team trained and mentored 1’962 local health professionals in a variety of specialities.
The following trainings and courses have been offered to Senegalese health professionals:
• Essential pain management
• Essential surgical skills
• Primary Trauma Care
• Pediatric and obstetric anesthesia
• Neonatal resuscitation
• WHO Safe surgical checklist
• Anesthesia training
Mentoring has also been offered for the following professions:
• Surgeons in multiple specialities
• OR nurses
• Maxilofacial OR teams
• Anesthesia providers
• Clubfoot care with Ponseti method
Sustainable renovations
Two facilities – at the Centre de Sante de Zogbo and the Centre de Sante de Missessin – were renovated, to function as the Mercy Ships dental clinic and HOPE Centre. After the field service, these renovated facilities were returned to the local health suppliers.
This is the breakdown for Benin:
0
Orthopaedic surgeries
Maxillofacial surgeries
0
Reconstructive plastic surgeries
0
General surgeries (eg hernias, goitres)
0
Ophthalmic surgeries
0
Women’s health surgeries
On top of this, 6’942 patients were treated by the Mercy Ships dental experts, who delivered a total of 16’489 procedures.
Some moving stories from our surgical patients
Story of Fenitra, Rolland and Rody
For years, Haja’s family was known for this reason: the bowed legs of three of his children. Will there be an end to this pain, both physical and emotional?
Story of Ruth
Ruth was born with Blount’s disease, a condition that causes the legs to progressively bend inward. Would Mercy Ships be her last hope?
Story of Theogette
It all started with a toothache. Badly treated, it evolved into a benign tumor that relentlessly grew, causing great suffering and isolation. Until eventually, her nephew introduced her to Mercy Ships…
