Founded in 1978 in Lausanne by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organization based on Christian values. Its mission is to improve access to surgical care in developing countries.
Mercy Ships helps the poor without distinction of race, gender or religion.
It also supports local development through training programs and medical facilities renovations, in order to sustainably improve the health systems of the countries visited. This is done in close collaboration with the host countries.
Mercy Ships is currently working in the Republic of Cameroon, with its ship, the Africa Mercy, based in the port of Douala.
Medical programs (more information on the organization’s website):
- Plastic reconstructive surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Gynecological surgery
- General surgery
- Ophthalmic care
- Dental care
Other programs:
Training and capacity building: for surgeons and other local health professionals, who can also learn to manage and repair biomedical equipment as well as hospital administration.
Infrastructure renovations and small equipment donations: to improve hygiene and working conditions in local hospitals and clinics, allowing better patients’ care.
Agricultural Training: for families and poor communities to improve the quality of their food and thus improve their health.
Orphanage: The House of Hope in Benin welcomes children with a painful past, who may find peace and hope here. The House of Hope is a personal initiative recognized and supported by Mercy Ships Switzerland.
All volunteers!
Mercy ships operates on a voluntary basis: each year, over a thousand volunteers from over 40 nations are committed with Mercy Ships. Professionals, such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, cooks, electricians, housekeepers, plumbers, bakers, receptionists, donate their time and skills to make a difference.
