Global Mercy launches Sierra Leone field service with first successful surgery
![Mohamed, the mission’s first patient, after a successful hernia operation on board. [photo credit: Mercy Ships]](http://ourdailynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/39ed117ae4b2fe8015eda653d9e90367.jpg)
The Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has launched its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone. The mission opened when 40-year-old kekeh driver Mohamed became the ship’s first patient and underwent successful hernia surgery after years of pain.
Docked in Freetown, the Global Mercy will provide free surgeries, train local clinicians, and support anesthetic and surgical capacity across the region. The arrival marks another season of Mercy Ships’ work to restore health and dignity for patients and to build long-term system resilience.
First patient marks start of service
For more than five years Mohamed lived with a painful hernia while driving through Freetown to support his wife and four children. Fear of complications kept him from seeking treatment until he heard the Global Mercy had returned.
After screening on August 29, Mohamed was cleared for surgery. Volunteer surgeon Dr. John Zwiacher (USA) — serving with Mercy Ships for the ninth time — led a one-hour operation to remove the hernia. The procedure was successful and immediately relieved Mohamed’s pain, allowing him to return to work and restore dignity for his family.
Hernias frequently go untreated in Sierra Leone. A population-based survey found a high prevalence among adult males, illustrating the scale of unmet surgical need that the Global Mercy aims to address through direct care and local training.
Partner support, volunteers, and national impact
The field service was formally inaugurated with a Partner Welcome Event on board the Global Mercy. Government leaders, diplomats, faith and nonprofit groups, and private-sector representatives attended to celebrate the start of the mission.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised Mercy Ships for restoring hope and strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare workforce, highlighting the mission’s role in helping patients reintegrate into school and community life. Hospital Director Dr. Steven Purdon credited the hundreds of international volunteers whose expertise and dedication make the ship’s work possible.
With Mohamed’s successful surgery marking a strong start, the Global Mercy will continue accepting patients and delivering both immediate surgical care and the capacity-building programs that support Sierra Leone’s long-term health system growth.
