Five billion people do not have sufficient access to essential surgical care.
A large majority of the world’s population either does not live near a hospital or lacks the financial means to seek treatment. Moreover, hospitals and clinics in the poorest countries often lack the equipment and expertise needed to perform vital procedures. For many, a minor injury can turn into a life-threatening condition without proper medical care.
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been working in collaboration with governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) to help address this challenge.
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billionPeople do not have sufficient access to essential surgical care
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billionUntreated surgical conditions in sub-Saharan Africa each year
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%Children need surgical care before the age of 15
The Surgical Crisis: Alarming Findings
In the field of surgery, two-thirds of the world’s population do not have sufficient access to operations. This is the conclusion of a recent study published by the medical journal The Lancet.
In West and sub-Saharan Africa, 93% of the population lacks access to surgical care. On average, there are only two doctors per 10,000 people, compared to 32 in Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Life expectancy in these regions is just 52 years, compared to 74 years in Europe.
Beyond the human tragedy, the study group known as the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery highlights the severe economic consequences of untreated surgical conditions. Without urgent improvements to their healthcare systems by 2030, low- and middle-income countries are projected to lose $12.3 billion, reducing their annual GDP growth by 2%.
Governments therefore have a clear interest in finding sustainable solutions to strengthen their health systems. In this regard, the authors of the study advocate for close collaboration with humanitarian organizations. The goal is not only to meet the immediate surgical needs of the population but also to empower countries to become self-sufficient and capable of training their own healthcare professionals effectively.
What we do
Thanks to our hospital ships, healthcare professionals provide specialized surgical care to the most disadvantaged populations. We also support sustainable development through medical training programs and the renovation of healthcare infrastructures.
Mercy Ships always goes to a country by invitation from the government: before the ship’s arrival, we collaborate with the local Ministry of Health to identify the needs and determine how we can best support strengthening the healthcare system.
Our goal is that one day, the countries we serve will no longer need our support.
