The hospital ship Africa Mercy set sail today from the Port of Granadilla on a long-awaited return to Africa where the ship’s crew will spend the rest of this year fulfilling the promise to reconnect with patients who were unable to receive surgeries on the ship prior to Covid-19.
For 22 months the Africa Mercy has remained in the Canary Islands during the COVID pandemic and used the time well for maintenance and preparations to be able to resume the crew’s surgical and training mission in Africa.
Following the ship’s departure, the president of Mercy Ships Spain, Gerardo Vangioni, will host an event to thank those who supported the Africa Mercy and her crew during the last 22 months.
“During the event Mercy Ships will express sincere gratitude for the support in Spain to the hospital ship, Africa Mercy and her crew during this time in the Canary Islands. Many individuals, institutions and corporations have collaborated, provided services and assistance to make good use of the hospital ship´s time in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All continue to be of great support to Mercy Ships and their commitment is a guarantee for the future of Mercy Ships and the people of all the nations we serve,” stated Vangioni.
Since March 2020, after the ship had to wind down her medical services in West Africa and sought a safe harbor, the Africa Mercy was welcomed by the Port of Granadilla on the Island of Tenerife. With the support of Ports of Tenerife and local authorities, the ship and her crew were able to stay indefinitely berthed in the port. The ship remained in Granadilla for the first 13 months while maintenance and repairs were done before going to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria for four months of shipyard work. Then, last October, the ship returned to Granadilla for the final preparations before returning to Africa.
“Our community onboard faced many challenges since we arrived. We felt deeply touched and encouraged by the generosity of our friends here in Tenerife. We are so grateful for the many who have supported and met our needs as a community during this period of waiting.” stated Bernard van den Bosch, Africa Mercy Managing Director.
All generous support has been vital to see this day when the Africa Mercy returns to Senegal to offer hope and healing to those in need. “More than 1000 patients have already been selected for surgical programs, with the priority on patients already identified from the ship’s last visit” said van den Bosch.
Over the past 30 years, Mercy Ships has worked in 14 African countries to provide free surgeries, medical training projects and healthcare infrastructure development.
Hospital ships of Mercy Ships will continue to come to the Canary Islands for servicing and maintenance in between 10-month project periods in Africa.
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ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 60 nations, with an average of over 1200 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org
More information on Mercy Ships Spain here
