Two out of three people in the world lack access to essential surgical care.
Mercy Ships is deploying a floating hospital in Africa: its volunteer crew provides life-changing surgery, as well as advanced medical training and infrastructure renovations to support the local health care system.



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Latest news
- 17 February 2026
Update on the Situation in
On February 10, Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar, severely impacting the port city of Tamatave (Toamasina). As a long-standing partner
- 02 February 2026
Physiotherapists from Sierra Leone aboard
Through its programmes of medical capacity building, Mercy Ships contributes to the development of the expertise of active professionals committed
- 05 January 2026
Looking Back at the Key
In 2025, we continued our mission by providing quality surgical care aboard our two hospital ships and strengthening our local
- 08 December 2025
Global Surgery must evolve :
Discover the vision of Dr. Sherif Emil, International Medical Director at Mercy Ships. From engineering to pediatric surgery, he shares
- 05 November 2025
Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide: A Pioneer
Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide, a brilliant pediatric surgeon from Nigeria, made history aboard the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone, becoming the
- 22 July 2025
A Dream Come True: African
A historic moment for dental education took place in Morocco, where African leaders came together to shape the future of
Transformed lives: meet our patients!
Story of Abubakarr
From his very first steps, it was clear that Abubakarr would never be able to wear regular shoes. Movements that come naturally to most children, like running and jumping, were out of reach for this six-year-old boy from Sierra Leone, who was born with an extra toe on each foot.
Story of Marie Jeanne and Germaine
Discover the story of Marie Jeanne and her daughter Germaine, who were both affected by cataracts and regained their sight on board the Africa Mercy.
Story of Tera
Teras childhood was shaped by a tragic household accident. Thanks to surgery on board, Tera has regained not only his mobility but also his place in the community.
Story of Harimalala
At the age of 12, Harimalala’s life changes suddenly. What seemed like a simple sore throat turns out to be far more serious: a goiter begins to grow on her neck. An operation on board the Africa Mercy frees her from this mass.
Story of Marie Elisa
Following an unexpected encounter with our medical team in her village, Marie Elisa received a maxillofacial surgery on board the Africa Mercy. An inspiring story that reflects the courage and resilience of our patients.
Story of Lucy
In 2021, Lucy suddenly experienced unbearable tooth pain. Although the tooth eventually fell out, the pain persisted. Her face became swollen, and it was discovered to be a tumor. Unfortunately, the cost of medical treatment was beyond the family's financial means.
The impact of Mercy Ships in numbers
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ife-changing or life-saving surgical procedures performed on our hospital ship since 1978.
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dental procedures performed by our volunteer dentists
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healthcare professionals trained to train others
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013)
Our partners
Fair Law is a human-sized law firm, based in Cugy (VD) and Geneva. The areas of law practised are mainly aimed at advising and assisting clients in family, contractual or criminal disputes. The firm is also engaged in various humanitarian projects with the aim of contributing, on its scale, to the advocacy of causes dear to it.
Techfirm aims to become a key player in engineering support across Switzerland, with recognized expertise in various fields including transportation (railway, aerospace, space, etc.), energy, life sciences (pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical equipment, etc.), as well as watchmaking and construction.
The net profit from the intercantonal national lottery Swisslos is allocated to the cantonal Swisslos funds or lottery funds. The funds are used to support charitable or benevolent purposes.
Since 1911, Huwa has been manufacturing reliable washing machines in Switzerland. As a family-owned business with a tradition, we are committed to quality and innovation. The robust Huwa washing machines and dryers prove themselves in single and multi-family homes, on farms, in hotels, and hospitals.
When technology, automation and digitalization make our lives easier, long-term success is the result – or as we say: digital self-evidence.
As the leading flow solutions provider for the safe and sustainable transport of fluids, GF Piping Systems creates connections for life. The division focuses on industry-leading leak-free piping solutions for numerous demanding end-market segments.
WiLLBe is a digital investment platform from Liechtensteinische Landesbank, which is setting sail with a pioneering spirit towards a new way of giving. The collaboration with Mercy Ships is a concrete example of impact investing.
The AmSpec Group has been relied upon in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector for several decades. As a trusted service provider, AmSpec continues to supply independent, accurate analysis and inspection on various commodities.
Founded in 1986 at Clinique de Genolier, Genolier Foundation is committed to helping needy patients suffering from severe, disabling or chronic diseases, so that they can benefit from the best possible treatment-, care- and support concepts available at Swiss Medical Network’s facilities, enabling them to return to an active life.
The mission of bj office & coffee is to support our clients in the creation and optimization of their spaces and for this, we offer our expertise to serve your projects.
Empowering entrepreneurs in technology startups and SMEs to develop their innovations while leveraging the benefits of intellectual property protection.
CIFER is the training center for network electricians in French-speaking Switzerland.
Ab Box stores furniture on a monthly and yearly basis with storage depots in Vaud, Fribourg and Valais.
The MSC Foundation implements the MSC Group’s conservation, humanitarian and sustainable development commitments and has supported Mercy Ships with free global transportation of medical supplies since 2011.
cometris supports companies and institutions like Mercy Ships in their internal and external communication. The agency does this so that clients are heard by their target groups and understood as desired.
Ardentis Cliniques Dentaires is a group of 13 dental clinics and one laboratory company in French-speaking Switzerland, offering comprehensive and multidisciplinary dental care. Ardentis and its more than 250 employees define their mission as follows: to make dental care more pleasant and innovative and to strive for excellence. Ardentis and Mercy Ships work together to support the Dental Programme of Mercy Ships in Africa. Each year, several Ardentis employees join the dental teams on our ships to serve the populations of our host countries.
With more than 40 years of experience, HSB Heizsysteme und Brenner AG is the heating technology partner that private households, SMEs and industrial clients can count on. We are delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to our business premises in Belp and to share our office space with them.
ALIGRO is a Swiss family-owned grocery store chain. They have supported Mercy Ships over more than 15 years with financial support.
The BRS Group is a diversified and dynamic global shipping services group offering a range of maritime activities to complement its core broking business. As well as Shipbroking and Yacht Brokerage, the Group’s activities include Marine Insurance, Freight Derivatives, Software Technology, Market Intelligence and Maritime Consulting.
IMD is the top-ranked business school, recognized as the expert in developing global leaders through high-impact executive education. The school is 100% focused on real-world executive development; offers Swiss excellence with a global perspective; and has a flexible, customized and effective approach.
Geistlich Pharma AG develops, manufactures and markets medical devices for restoring bone, cartilage and soft tissue, as well as drugs. Geistlich Pharma AG has been the world market leader in dentistry for many years.
Vertical Access specializes in construction work that is difficult to access, at height and rope.
Brocard Paysagiste maintains without remuneration the exterior of the Maison de Rovéréaz managed by Mercy Ships. It is a dynamic and motivated company that offers the creation and maintenance of terraces, paths, pavements, walls, fences, hedges, flowery spaces, etc.
Printing company Jordi AG is specialized in providing global solutions in the area of publications editing and communication. Jordi SA has been printing our newsletters for over 25 years and regularly offers us their support.
Formsache is specialized in professional office supply planning and provides services in the fields of interior design and color concepts. Form-sache AG created a decorative and design concept for the new offices of Mercy Ships in Belp, took over the coordination of the execution and carried out the on-site equipment.

The Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, through their own association and in collaboration with partners, engage in charitable and solidarity works both in Italy and abroad. This is made possible with the support and promotion of their activities worldwide by numerous delegations.
