Freetown, 8th June, 2026— President Julius Maada Bio has bade farewell to the world’s largest hospital ship, Mercy Ships, praised its crew members and commended them for the transformative impact on Sierra Leone’s Health Care System.
The farewell ceremony took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown on 5th June 2026. This comes after three consecutive years of providing free surgeries for less privileged people, education, and training healthcare professionals.
Addressing the crowd onboard the Ship, President Bio praised the crew members, particularly the Sierra Leoneans, describing them as unsung heroes who have made a profound difference in the lives of ordinary people with the most severe medical needs.
President Bio expressed sadness that they are going, stating that the true measure of the country’s partnership with Mercy Ships lies not in what it did during its time in Sierra Leone, but in what remains after it leaves. “We know already what this mission is leaving behind, and we are very proud of this partnership,” he said.
“You are leaving stronger health systems with skilled professionals, as well as stronger and happier communities,” President Bio concluded
On the relationship with Mercy Ships, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby described the ship’s arrival as “a Godsend,” noting that “there are lots of families today that are extremely happy because of what Mercy Ships has been able to do for them.”
Dr. Demby said that the Mercy Ships became much more than a hospital in Sierra Leone’s waters. “It became a symbol of hope and healing and a symbol of what is possible when humanity comes together in service of those most in need,” he said.
He emphasized Sierra Leone’s gratitude for the friendship, mutual respect, and shared vision that have characterised the partnership between the Government and the Global Mercy.
Minister Demby concluded that the ship is leaving behind more than a successful mission. “You are leaving behind stories of courage and restored dreams. You leave behind grateful patients and a nation that considers you as part of its family.”
“We are not leaving behind projects without roots; we are leaving a legacy,” Matt Murray, Mercy Ships’ Managing Director.
Mercy Ships’ Managing Director, Matt Murray, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the people of Sierra Leone, saying, “Let us take pride in what we have achieved together. The trust and resilience of the Sierra Leonean communities have been the driving force behind this success. As we prepare to sail away to our next destination, I want to reaffirm that we are not leaving behind projects without roots—we are leaving a legacy,” he said. He added that, “the true impact of this partnership is the transformed lives, strengthened health systems, and empowered healthcare professionals.”
According to Murray, Sierra Leone has demonstrated that when humanity comes together with compassion and purpose, remarkable change is possible.
The Country Director of Mercy Ships, Dr. Sandra Lako, spoke of the importance of sustained efforts, assuring that commitments to training, mentorship, and health system strengthening will continue even as the Global Mercy departs. He said, “Our dedication to Sierra Leone remains unwavering,” adding that the journey may continue elsewhere, but the foundation laid in Sierra Leone remains a powerful testament to the transformative power of partnership and shared purpose.
