Freetown: His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio hosted a farewell lunch for the Sierra Leonean crew members aboard the Global Mercy Ship, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Mercy Ships and the Government.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, this lunch marked the conclusion of another successful chapter in the longstanding collaboration between Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone, notably improving access to life-changing surgical care, healthcare training, and institutional capacity building nationwide.
Speaking for Mercy Ships leadership, Mr. Matthew Murray expressed deep gratitude to President Bio and the Government for their hospitality, support, and cooperation throughout the mission. "We deeply honour the respect and support your government showed us. The Sierra Leonean people proved exceptionally welcoming. We thank the many Sierra Leonean volunteers who worked alongside us for years. Today we feel privileged having many here to personally express appreciation," he said.
Representing the volunteers, Mr. Albert Sam and Mr. Edward Carew shared moving testimonies about transformed lives through Mercy Ships interventions. They called the organization a beacon of hope, restoring dignity, confidence, and renewed opportunities for thousands. "Mercy Ships means more than a ship; this vessel carries hope and transformation. Countless Sierra Leoneans regained health, confidence, and dignity. Stories like Amara and Mama Musu stand as powerful testimonies to community impact nationwide," they stated.
Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby commended President Bio for his visionary leadership and praised Mercy Ships for their exceptional healthcare contributions over the past three years. "One of the happiest moments of my life. President Julius Maada Bio leads with a commitment to improving Sierra Leonean lives, inspiring confidence. On behalf of all citizens, I thank His Excellency and the entire Mercy Ships team. Over 4,000 successful surgeries represent thousands of stories of hope, healing, and renewed dignity," Dr. Demby said. He emphasized that Mercy Ships' impact extends far beyond surgical care, highlighting substantial investments in workforce development, institutional strengthening, and long-term health systems support.
President Bio responded with profound appreciation for Mercy Ships' invaluable contribution to healthcare delivery and human development. "Thank you for outstanding service, providing life-changing and life-saving opportunities. Your confidence in our country and partnership commitment made a lasting impact. Achievements over the past three years prove remarkable; benefits will continue for generations to come," he said. He noted the vessel may depart Sierra Leonean shores, but Mercy Ships' legacy endures through thousands of transformed lives, trained health professionals, and strengthened institutions. "The ship may leave, but the legacy remains. Training provided to our healthcare professionals, transformed lives, strengthened institutions will serve our nation for many years," he stated.
President Bio paid tribute to the Sierra Leonean volunteers serving alongside Mercy Ships, describing them as exemplary ambassadors demonstrating national values of compassion, professionalism, and service. "Extremely proud of our volunteers. We remain a resilient and welcoming people. Working together showcases the true Sierra Leone character. On behalf of the Government and citizens, I extend heartfelt appreciation to Mercy Ships and everyone contributing to this remarkable partnership," he concluded.
Throughout the mission, Mercy Ships provided thousands of free surgical procedures, delivered specialized medical training, and supported critical health systems strengthening initiatives, leaving an enduring legacy benefiting communities for years. Later, Mercy Ships leadership held a briefing session with the President, presenting a plaque of appreciation for his exemplary support during the three-year field service.