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ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Your support is

transforming lives

Together in partnership, Rotary and Mercy Ships are changing lives in Africa.

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Photo: Dr Rachel Buckingham, volunteer orthopaedic surgeon, during morning ward rounds visiting a young patient.

The need

The solution

According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery,

Mercy Ships takes a multi-pronged approach to improve

16.9 million people die every year from conditions

healthcare systems in our partner nations. We provide

requiring surgical care. More people die from these

accessible, free surgery and vital medical care aboard

conditions than from HIV, malaria and TB combined.

hospital ships, whilst creating a legacy of sustainable healthcare by mentoring and training local medical

This is the equivalent to the entire populations of London,

professionals and investing in infrastructure by renovating

Scotland and Wales put together – dying every year because

local facilities. Mercy Ships is committed to raising

they can’t get the operation they need. Medical care that

awareness of the extraordinary level of unmet need in

we take for granted in the UK – having a painful tooth

global surgery, and encouraging an active and informed

extracted; being able to get a caesarean section; having

response to it. We have achieved much in our nearly

cataracts removed – simply isn’t an option for 9 out of 10

50-year history. In 2022, the Global Mercy, the world’s largest

people living in sub-Saharan Africa. Either the healthcare

purpose-built training and hospital ship, entered service.

they need doesn’t exist at all or it is completely inaccessible. Construction of the Africa Mercy II is now underway, Of those people who can get surgery, a quarter face

following the blueprint of the Global Mercy, and is expected

financial catastrophe as a result – and there’s no guarantee

to enter service in 2030. This will further increase

that the operation will have solved the problem, leading to

Mercy Ships’ capacity to deliver life-changing surgery and

lifelong disability or even death. This means that people

expand medical training opportunities for healthcare

who need surgery are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable

professionals, helping to equip and inspire the next

to access or afford the care that could set them on the

generation of medical leaders across Africa, such as

path towards a brighter future. There is an urgent need

Dr Betty Belda read her full story on page 5.

for significant growth in surgical capacity and training in developing countries in order to address this problem.

We provide accessible, free surgery and vital medical care aboard hospital ships. Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Strengthening service for the future The addition of the Africa Mercy II marks an important

The hospital will also have dedicated teaching/conference

step in securing Mercy Ships’ long-term ability to serve

spaces as well as simulator labs for more effective surgical

communities in need.

training. All pre- and post-operative work will be done on board, which minimises our footprint when operating in

The Africa Mercy II is the world’s second purpose-built

busy ports.

charity hospital ship – it is also a state-of-the-art mobile medical school, to train local surgeons in African nations.

The design of the new ship incorporates four decades of learning, crew feedback and experience in its design.

The Africa Mercy II will increase teaching capacity

Bespoke meeting and workspaces are fitted with the latest

and has been designed to carry out a wide range of

technology and the ship provides accommodation for

surgeries including, but not limited to, maxillofacial and

641 people, including the crew and all the medical staff on

reconstructive surgery, tumour removal, cleft lip and

board. Ship services are designed to host up to 950 people,

palate repair, plastics, orthopaedics, cataract removal and

including local day crew.

obstetric fistula repair. The Africa Mercy II will provide a world-class platform The new hospital covers most of decks 3 and 4 (7,000 m2)

for delivering surgery, training, and hope to thousands

and will house 6 operating theatres, 102 acute care beds,

of people each year.

7 ICU/isolation beds and an additional 90 self-care beds.

Photos: The Africa Mercy II in construction; foredeck on block. Daniela taking part in the coin ceremony to bless the ship. Render of reception area.

The Africa Mercy II, expected to launch into service in 2030!

mercyships.org.uk

R O T A R Y A N D M E R C Y S H I P S I N P A R T N E RPhoto: S H I PDr Leo Cheng and his team assess a patient after surgery on board the Africa Mercy.

Impact through partnership Phase 1.

Collaborative Assessment

Phase 2.

Ship Deployment

Mercy Ships listens, builds relationships, and collaborates

A Mercy Ship docks in a port for an average of 10 months at a

with the Presidential Office, Ministry of Health, other

time, providing free surgical and dental care for thousands of

departments of the government, and non-governmental

people, training and mentoring for local healthcare workers,

organisations. A collaborative effort has an increased

renovations for local facilities and more.

impact. A protocol of commitment is signed, taking into account World Health Organization targets. An analysis of capacity needs within the local healthcare system is undertaken, establishing where assistance

Phase 3.

Training & Support

will be most effective. The Assessment Team examines

Project implementers return to understand any challenges

surgical and ancillary service capacity, the port, security,

faced by local healthcare professionals in implementing

and build rapport with key stakeholders. An Advance

learned materials and skills, provide further instruction, as

Team enhances the effectiveness of the ship deployment

well as offer encouragement and additional input.

by preparing for the ship’s arrival. On subsequent visits, teams ascertain how the work of Mercy Ships changed the lives of patients and trained healthcare professionals and evaluate the sustained hospital and clinic improvement. Lessons learned are used to inform future field services.

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Dr Betty Belda Training tomorrow’s healthcare leaders “I highly recommend people come to Mercy Ships. It’s a great place to enhance your skills, network with more professionals, and serve the community. It’s been an eye-opening experience.” - Dr Betty

Photo: Dr Betty Belda, Employment, Training and Advocacy (ETA) Participant, working through an airway simulation with Dr Elaine Sigalet, ETA Simulation Coordinator.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, access to safe surgery remains

“It was fascinating to see six fully equipped operating

out of reach for millions. With 93% of the population

theatres on a ship,” she said. “Every now and then, you feel

unable to access the surgical care they need, investing in

the gentle rocking as you work. It’s amazing to see people

local healthcare professionals is essential. That’s why the

from all around the world coming together to serve.”

partnership between Mercy Ships and the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) focuses on

One of the highlights of her placement was Mercy Ships’

transforming healthcare from within.

simulation centre, where lifelike scenarios allow trainees like Dr Betty to practise managing complex situations in

For Dr Betelhem Belda, known as Dr Betty, that

a safe environment before facing them in theatre.

transformation has been personal. “We develop scenarios that give trainees opportunities Originally from Ethiopia and now training in

for deliberate practice,” explained Elaine Sigalet,

anaesthesiology at Kijabe Hospital in Kenya, Dr Betty

Mercy Ships’ Education, Training and Advocacy (ETA)

joined the Global Mercy through PAACS - an organisation

Simulation Coordinator. “Simulation helps people build

dedicated to training African surgeons to meet the surgical

confidence and competence, while allowing them to

needs in their continent. PAACS often partners with

learn at a pace that’s right for them.”

Mercy Ships by sending healthcare professionals to the hospital ships to gain specialised experience as part of a

This focus on education lies at the heart of our mission.

rigorous five-year residency programme. The experience

By equipping African healthcare professionals with

gave her the opportunity to work alongside international

advanced skills and practical experience, programmes like

teams, develop new clinical skills and gain confidence in a

the PAACS partnership help strengthen local health systems

unique hospital environment.

long after our ships sail away.

“It’s always good for any trainee to work in a different

For Dr Betty, the learning extended beyond clinical practice.

environment than the one they’re used to,” she said.

“It’s been so good to meet people from different countries

“It’s great to learn new systems and new ways of working.”

and backgrounds,” she said. “I definitely have something to

Working in the ship’s six operating theatres, Dr Betty

take back home and implement.”

supported paediatric orthopaedic and other surgical teams while learning techniques she hopes to take back home.

Through partnerships like this, Mercy Ships is investing not only in individual clinicians, but in the future of healthcare across Africa - helping more patients receive safe, life-changing care close to home. mercyships.org.uk

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Mather

New hope for a bright future “ People told us that, as she grows, her legs will straighten, but the opposite happened.” Alpha describes his 9-year-old sister, Mather, as “smart, intelligent, and hardworking” - traits that define her far more than her bowed legs ever could. Still, the dramatic bowing that began when she was only 2 years old threatened to hold her back. “Sometimes, when she wakes up in the morning, she will not be able to get up from bed,” Alpha explained. “She complains that she’s feeling pain in her knees. She’s not able to run or walk for long.” While most 9-year-olds were gaining confidence and independence, Mather was learning to navigate her world. “I couldn’t fetch water, wash dishes, and even walk long

On board the Global Mercy, Mather was diagnosed with

distances,” she said. “My friends in the village used to

skeletal dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects how the

mock me.”

bones grow. “[Without surgery] her legs would most likely continue to bend, and become increasingly painful, and

Her family longed to help her, but the local doctors could

it might become extremely difficult for her to walk,” said

do very little. So they sent her to live with her aunt in a city

orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Rachel Buckingham.

where healthcare would be easier to access. Even in the city, help couldn’t be found.

After just two hours in the operating theatre, Mather faced a new beginning. Following the operation, she stayed

Instead, they waited and prayed - prayers that were

focused through months of rehabilitation, working to

answered when an aunt told them about Mercy Ships.

strengthen her legs, regain mobility and build confidence with every step. “She was the most focused young lady. She worked really hard,” shared Emilia Osborne, the volunteer physical therapist who worked with Mather. “When she was discharged, I was quite emotional about it … it’s just a privilege to be a part of her big story.” As Mather walked down the gangway of the hospital ship, she sang out,

“I came with pain, and I am going with joy. Jesus did it for me!” Today, Mather is healed and standing tall, walking confidently up the hills that seemed impossible to climb not so long ago. And her hopes have grown right along with her strength: “I want to go to school, learn a skill, and become a doctor.” Photos: Mather before and after surgery to straighten her legs.

mercyships.org.uk

R O T A R Y A N D M E R C Y S H IPhotos: P S I NAbubakarr P A R T N back E R S home H I P and able to join in with games, to run and play with his friends. Below: Before his operation on board the Global Mercy to remove his extra toes.

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Mercy Ships

A lasting impact Since 1978, Mercy Ships has provided services and materials in low-resource nations valued at more than £1.4 billion.

14+ African nations

128,800+

588,800+

Life-changing surgical procedures provided

Dental procedures

56,500+

47+

Professionals trained in their areas of expertise

Field services

2.92M+ Direct beneficiaries

mercyships.org.uk

Photo: Musu with Dieke van Tuijl, Ward Nurse, R Oafter T A RanY operation A N D Mto E restore R C Y Sthe H I movement PS IN PARTNER SHIP in her arms previously restricted by burn scars from when she was little.

Become a volunteer Can you use your time and talents to volunteer with Mercy Ships? There are over 200 different roles to choose from, including baker, accountant, plumber, nurse, electrician and so much more. Only half of the opportunities on board are medical. Find out more about volunteering at mercyships.org.uk/volunteer

Join our home crew Interested in learning more about spreading the Mercy Ships story in the UK as either a speaker or a conference volunteer? We’d love you to become part of our home crew, a nationwide community of alumni actively participating in the mission of Mercy Ships from home. Contact us to learn more at rotary@mercyships.org.uk 10

ROTA RY A ND MERC Y SHIP S IN PA R TNE R S HIP

Mercy Ships and Rotary International partnership has accomplished astounding achievements Most recently, our partnership funded two Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanners, helping clinicians diagnose and treat a range of ophthalmic conditions with greater precision. This builds on Rotary’s record-breaking global contribution of more than $1 million towards the initial outfitting of the Global Mercy, which funded a range of sophisticated medical equipment, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner. Together, these investments are helping to equip Mercy Ships with the advanced technology needed to deliver high-quality surgical care, support the training and development of healthcare professionals, and improve patient outcomes. “We have seen time and again how life changing surgeries on board our ships can be – people who had no hope of being treated are receiving hope for their future, and we are so grateful that Rotary chooses to partner with us to make this possible.” - Shelley Pigott, Mercy Ships UK Executive Director

“Rotarians have proven just how much we can achieve when we unite to support Mercy Ships. By funding essential medical equipment, Rotary clubs empower healthcare teams to deliver life-transforming care to people who would otherwise have no access to treatment. This is a powerful, tangible

Photos: Shelley Pigott, Mercy Ships UK Executive Director, receiving a demo of the Rotary-funded OCT scanner.

Your support transforms lives!

£435

could fund an orthopaedic surgery to help someone like Mather walk without pain.

example of Rotary creating lasting impact.” Paul Denton, Chair of District 1260 (Beds, Bucks and Herts) Global Grants Committee

£790

could sponsor an operating theatre for a day to remove tumours for someone

“What I love about Mercy Ships is that it

like Armella.

never loses sight of the individual. Behind every patient is a person, a family, and a future. Being able to play a part in giving someone the chance of a healthier life is

£1,975

could renovate a local clinic so that

something Rotarians can be incredibly

life-changing care can continue long after

proud of.”

our ships sail.

Reverend Debbie Hodge, President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland 2018/19

mercyships.org.uk

Photo: Mather recovering after orthopaedic surgery to straighten her legs on the Global Mercy.

Book a talk for your club The Mercy Ships Speakers Network provides volunteers who are fully equipped to deliver a quality, free presentation to your club. Our Speakers Network covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To book a talk for your club and to find out more about the incredible work our amazing volunteers do, please visit mercyships.org.uk/speakers

mercyships.org.uk/rotary

Registered Office: Mercy Ships UK, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage, SG1 2EF Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales). ©2026 Mercy Ships UK Photos: MercyShips/ Mollie Markin (front cover), Inge Wiersma p2, Elizabeth Page Brumley p3, Tirsa Tapia Zamora p4, Inge Wiersma p5, Merel Visser-Piet p6-7, Tirsa Tapia Zamora p8-9, Merel Visser-Piet p10, Mercy Ships p11, Merel Visser-Piet p12. mercyships.org.uk