Global Mercy – A Floating Hospital To Africa

Mercy Ships, which is a faith-based global organization providing world-class surgical care free of charge to those in need for more than 40 years have announced the construction of the world’s largest NGO hospital ship which plans to set sail in late 2021 under the name of “Global Mercy”. The 37,000-ton ship with 6 operating rooms is set to sail to Africa where over 16 million people die each year due to lack of surgical and medical care. The 174 meters long ship will also have simulation laboratories that will teach locals on health education. This ship will need 600 volunteers which includes surgeons, teachers, electricians, and cooks. The expected lifespan of the vessel is 50 years, and an estimated 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone.

Mercy Ships is a Christian interdenominational missionary organization founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens. It was originally a part of YWAM (Youth with a Mission) before becoming a separate organization in 2003. The vessels that were in service in the past include MV Anastasis, MV Caribbean Mercy, and MV Island Mercy. Since 2000, MV Africa Mercy is in operation, serving the African continent. The vessels of Mercy Ships have visited nearly 600 ports in 56 developing nations directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people. The services and materials provided by its volunteers is valued at over $1.7 billion.