By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has hosted a farewell lunch for the Sierra Leonean crew members serving aboard the Global Mercy Ship and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone.
The event, held on 4 June 2026 at State House in Freetown, celebrated another successful chapter in the collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone, a partnership that has significantly improved access to life-changing surgical care, healthcare training and institutional capacity building across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Mercy Ships leadership, Matthew Murray expressed profound appreciation to President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone for the hospitality, support and cooperation extended to the organisation during its mission.
He noted that the people of Sierra Leone had been exceptionally welcoming and praised the dedication of the many Sierra Leonean volunteers who have served alongside the international team over the years.
Representing the Sierra Leonean volunteers, Albert Sam and Edward Carew shared emotional testimonies about the transformative impact of Mercy Ships on communities across the country. They described the organisation as a beacon of hope that has restored health, dignity and confidence to thousands of Sierra Leoneans.
They highlighted inspiring stories, including those of Amara and Mama Musu, as examples of the life-changing interventions made possible through the humanitarian mission.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, commended President Bio for his visionary leadership and praised Mercy Ships for its exceptional contribution to Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector over the past three years.
Describing the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life, Dr. Austin Demby said the more than 4,000 successful surgeries performed by Mercy Ships represented thousands of stories of hope, healing and renewed dignity for Sierra Leoneans.
He added that the organization’s impact extends beyond surgical care through investments in healthcare workforce development, institutional strengthening and long-term support for the country’s health system.
In his remarks, President Bio expressed profound gratitude to Mercy Ships for its invaluable contribution to healthcare delivery and human development in Sierra Leone.
The President thanked the organisation for providing life-changing and life-saving opportunities to many Sierra Leoneans and noted that its confidence in the country and commitment to partnership had created a lasting impact that would benefit future generations.
President Bio stressed that although the vessel would be departing Sierra Leonean shores, the legacy of Mercy Ships would remain through the thousands of lives transformed, healthcare professionals trained and institutions strengthened.
He also paid tribute to the Sierra Leonean volunteers who served alongside the organisation, describing them as exemplary ambassadors who demonstrated the nation’s values of compassion, professionalism and service.
The President said Sierra Leone is a resilient and welcoming nation and that the partnership with Mercy Ships had showcased the true character of its people. On behalf of the Government and citizens of Sierra Leone, he extended heartfelt appreciation to Mercy Ships and everyone who contributed to the success of the mission.
Throughout its mission in Sierra Leone, Mercy Ships provided thousands of free surgical procedures, delivered specialized medical training and supported critical health systems strengthening initiatives, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit communities across the country.
Following the farewell ceremony, the leadership of Mercy Ships held a briefing session with President Bio and presented him with a plaque of appreciation in recognition of his exemplary support during the organization’s three-year field service in Sierra Leone.
