The parents of Emmanuel, a three-year-old boy from Sierra Leone, are celebrating a life-changing milestone after volunteers aboard the charity hospital ship Global Mercy™ removed a large and painful growth from his face.
Emmanuel had lived with the condition since birth, and his family had endured years of social stigma, financial strain, and fruitless medical consultations before finding help.
Emmanuel’s mother, Manteneh, first noticed a white swelling near his ear shortly after birth. The swelling worsened despite her efforts, and local doctors could only prescribe pain medication for his rare condition, lymphangioma—a noncancerous abnormality of the lymphatic system that can cause severe complications.
Doctors explained that if untreated, the growth could compress facial nerves, leading to disfigurement and impaired movement. The family’s situation was dire, with Emmanuel’s father, Yirah, a student, and Manteneh, a tailor, forced to stop working to care for him.
Hope arrived with a public announcement that the Global Mercy, operated by the nonprofit Mercy Ships, would be providing free specialized surgeries in Sierra Leone. The family relocated to Freetown, overcoming financial and logistical challenges to ensure Emmanuel received care.
“There are significant barriers for patients with conditions like this,” said Mollie Felder, a volunteer nurse aboard the ship. “In Sierra Leone, there are no maxillofacial surgeons and only one pediatric surgeon, making advanced care inaccessible to most families.”
After several preparatory procedures, Emmanuel underwent surgery to remove the mass. The operation was a success, and he quickly regained his playful nature. His parents were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, comparing his recovery to a rebirth.
“When he came home from surgery, it was like we had just given birth to Emmanuel,” said Yirah. “The entire community was very happy. People were saying Emmanuel is a newborn baby!”
The boy’s transformation brought joy not only to his family but also to their community, who celebrated his newfound health. Emmanuel now enjoys playing with friends, free from pain and stigma, while his parents look forward to a brighter future.
Another person named Mercy Delphin, a farmer from Madagascar, and Fudia, a young girl from Sierra Leone. Delphin’s surgery to remove a debilitating goiter enabled him to return to work and support his family. “My life is back to normal,” he said. “I can work in the field again.”
For 10-year-old Fudia, surgery to correct her bowed legs brought both physical and emotional healing. “Her friends used to mock her,” her aunt shared. “Now, she is joyful and plays with her friends.” Inspired by her journey, Fudia aspires to become a doctor.
Mercy Ships is bridging gaps in healthcare for the world’s most vulnerable populations. In 2024, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) made transformative strides in healthcare delivery and capacity building across sub-Saharan Africa.
With its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy™ and the Africa Mercy®, the organization provided free surgical care while strengthening local healthcare systems through training and advocacy programs in partnership with governments.
Through its dual-ship approach, Mercy Ships impacted thousands of lives, performing more than 2,280 surgeries and 3,690 surgical procedures. Dental teams provided care to over 2,040 patients, completing more than 9,090 dental procedures during 3,600 visits. Additionally, 250 healthcare professionals participated in training programs, collectively receiving over 42,550 hours of education.
The expanded operational capacity allowed Mercy Ships to serve communities in Sierra Leone and Madagascar while supporting healthcare system strengthening in Guinea. These achievements were made possible by the dedication of over 1,700 international volunteers and more than 670 local day crew members.
One of Mercy Ships’ standout initiatives in 2024 was the Nurse Anesthesia Diploma Program in Sierra Leone. Designed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone, the program trained 20 specialists to address critical gaps in anesthetic care.
This initiative is vital in a country where, according to the World Health Organization, there are only 0.7 doctors, 2.04 nurses, and 0.02 dentists per 10,000 people (http://apo-opa.co/4gR2mvQ).
Similarly, Madagascar faces significant healthcare challenges, with 1.76 doctors, 2.92 nurses, and 0.08 dentists per 10,000 people serving a population of over 31 million. These statistics underscore the importance of Mercy Ships’ capacity-building programs and free surgical services in addressing unmet healthcare needs.
“Our partnership with local governments is key to creating long-term impact,” said Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education at Mercy Ships. “Programs like these empower local professionals to provide critical care in their communities.”
In September 2024, Guinea celebrated a significant achievement with the expansion of the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC), the country’s only public dental school. Supported by Mercy Ships, the new state-of-the-art training facility doubled the school’s capacity to train over 210 students annually.
Equipped with advanced tools like simulation stations and a CBCT scanning machine, the facility is transforming dental education in Guinea and neighboring countries.
Since partnering with Mercy Ships in 2018, UGANC has adopted sustainable solutions to address the severe shortage of dental professionals. Students from Sierra Leone, Benin, Madagascar, and beyond now benefit from this world-class training.
The achievements of 2024 were driven by the dedication of volunteers from 69 countries, serving in roles from surgeons to engineers. Volunteers like Merryl Mackenzie, an operating room nurse from Australia, and Ishaka Sesay, a maritime crew member from Sierra Leone, embody the organization’s mission of compassion and service.
As Mercy Ships continues its mission, the organization is calling for more volunteers to join its efforts to deliver hope and healing to underserved communities. With two ships in operation, the potential for greater impact in 2025 is immense. To learn more about how to get involved, visit How To Get Involved – Mercy Ships.