An enormous challenge
A large majority of the world’s population does not have the benefit of a nearby hospital or lack the financial means to seek treatment. According to a recent study, 5 million human beings do not have sufficient access to essential surgery.
What could be worse than a dirty waiting room and a dilapidated operating theatre with well-worn equipment in a state of deterioration? For many without adequate care, a mild injury could be transformed into a fatal illness.
Mercy Ships collaborates with governments and the World Health Organisation to help respond to this challenge.