Physiotherapists from Sierra Leone strengthen their skills on board the Global Mercy

Through its programs of medical capacity building, Mercy Ships provides continuous training for healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone and beyond, improving both the quality of care and access to surgical services.

In 2023, Sierra Leone welcomed its first cohort of Bachelor’s degree graduates in physiotherapy. The higher education program at the Tonkolili District College of Health Sciences in Masanga marked a major milestone in addressing the country’s shortage of rehabilitation professionals.

As part of Global Mercy’s mission in Sierra Leone, a close partnership between the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships has been established. This partnership allows Sierra Leonean physiotherapists—both experienced professionals and recent graduates—to come on board to observe, collaborate, and work alongside the ship’s rehabilitation team.

A Holistic Training

Physiotherapists Abu Amara and Samuel Mayah from Freetown took part in the program offered on board the Global Mercy. They received comprehensive training, from patient management and planning in a rehabilitation ward to advanced techniques for patients recovering from surgery on their hands, arms, or legs.

Samuel Mayah emphasizes his commitment to patient-centered rehabilitation:
“We have protocols and processes in place, but the patient must always be at the heart of our work. We need to make meaningful changes in their lives after surgery. Their overall health must come first,” he explains.

Critical Need for Physiotherapy

In the 1990s, the civil war in Sierra Leone dramatically increased the demand for physiotherapy due to the large number of amputees, trauma victims, and people with war-related injuries. International humanitarian organizations played a critical role during this period, providing emergency rehabilitation services and training local healthcare staff.

Following these efforts, local physiotherapy training programs were gradually established, but the country still faces a shortage of qualified practitioners. Initiatives by government agencies, NGOs, and international partners aim to close this gap. Mercy Ships’ ability to welcome graduates from the Tonkolili District College of Health Sciences, as well as more experienced physiotherapists, on board the ship further expands opportunities for skill development and professional growth in the country.

Healthcare Professionals as Pillars of Sustainability

While helping a patient regain her range of motion, Abu highlighted the importance of this partnership for his profession:
“The quality of care provided by Mercy Ships is very high, and it’s an opportunity for me to experience this level of service,” he says. “We are learning techniques that we can apply in our own country.”

Collaboration between local physiotherapists and the Global Mercy team is a shared challenge. It helps reduce the long-term burden on families and communities by enabling patients to regain mobility and perform daily activities, contributing to both productivity and social inclusion.