“I could see that standard practice is top-notch here”
– Valerie, School of Peri-operative and Critical Care Nursing in Ghana and acting as a facilitator with the Medium Stimulation Skills Institute (MSSI)
Healthcare education and training in Africa
One healthcare professional can reach many future patients.
Skills shared today can reach patients for years to come
Mercy Ships works alongside African healthcare professionals, hospitals, universities and governments through training, mentoring and long-term partnership. What someone strengthens today can be used with the next patient, shared with colleagues and passed on to future healthcare professionals.
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Explore the Ripple Effect
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1,061 unique healthcare professionals from 18 African countries participated in the training in 2025
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305,400 participants in education and training in 2025
When a healthcare professional strengthens a skill, the impact can go much further than one training session. That knowledge can be used with the next patient, shared with colleagues and passed on to future healthcare professionals. Working alongside African hospitals, universities, governments and healthcare professionals, Mercy Ships supports learning designed around locally identified priorities. One opportunity to learn can become many opportunities to heal.
Healthcare professionals learn in different ways and at different stages of their careers. Training can take place on board our ship, in hospitals, universities and clinical settings, combining practical experience with education designed around locally identified needs.
What can stronger expertise make possible?
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Safer, stronger surgical care
Stronger clinical practice, teamwork, and processes can improve the quality and safety of care.
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Stronger healthcare teams
Healthcare professionals, specialists, and leaders can strengthen their expertise, collaboration, and ability to care for patients locally.
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Better pathways to care
Stronger referral, treatment, and follow-up processes can help people reach the right care at the right time.
There is no gift greater than good health.
A field service has an end date. Learning does not have to. Healthcare professionals can carry strengthened expertise into their hospitals, use it with future patients and share it with colleagues. Partnerships with hospitals, universities and professional institutions can also create opportunities for education and collaboration to continue after a ship leaves port. The hospital can travel. Knowledge can keep moving from person to person.
Meet the people passing knowledge on
“I decided to volunteer with Mercy Ships because it was an opportunity to give back to people who are in need”
– Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide, Bringing Hope to Children in Sierra Leone
“We would like to express our appreciation to Mercy Ships for accepting to come and offer free medical care to the Guinean population. We congratulate the crew of the Africa Mercy® and wish them a pleasant stay in our country.”
– Doctor Edouard Ngnankoye LAMA, Minister of State/Minister of Health, Guinea
See the ripple effect
Behind every number are healthcare professionals applying their skills, sharing knowledge and caring for future patients.
Care for today. Expertise for tomorrow.
For someone waiting for care today, surgery can change what comes next. Training helps strengthen expertise for the patients who will need care tomorrow.
FAQ
How does Mercy Ships support healthcare training?
Programs can include clinical mentoring, practical courses, simulation, specialist education and training for future educators.
Who participates?
Programs can involve surgeons, nurses, anaesthesia providers, dental professionals, biomedical professionals, educators and other members of the surgical-care team.
How can training create longer-term impact?
Healthcare professionals can apply strengthened expertise to future patients, share it with colleagues and pass it on to others.
Does training continue after the ship leaves?
Some programs and institutional partnerships continue beyond individual field services, while participating healthcare professionals take strengthened expertise back to their hospitals and teams.
Help multiply the impact
One healthcare professional can care for many patients. One educator can help prepare many more. Your support can help create opportunities for healthcare professionals to strengthen expertise and keep that knowledge moving.
