Ten-month-old Anjara became the first patient to receive free life-changing surgery from Mercy Ships in Madagascar since the international Christian charity returned to the island.

Anjara’s surgery marks a significant landmark for the organisation which is operating two hospital ships at once in Africa for the first time.

While the Africa Mercy delivers patient care and surgical training in Madagascar, the Global Mercy is simultaneously serving patients in Sierra Leone.

“It is just amazing to span the east and west of Africa. It really is the beginning of a next chapter” remarked Nathan Jansen, Africa Mercy managing director.  “This day is the culmination of many years of work and preparation. It is truly special to welcome Anjara as our first patient, heralding a new chapter for Mercy Ships.

“As Mercy Ships expands its work across the continent, healthcare access and quality continues to grow. The dedication and hard work of our volunteers and staff, coupled with the generous support of our donors, have made this historic moment possible.”

This marks Mercy Ships’ fourth healthcare service in Madagascar, following previous visits in 1996, 2015 and 2016. Throughout previous visits, Mercy Ships collaborated with the government and the Ministry of Health to provide more than 6,425 life-changing surgical procedures and over 52,395 dental procedures.

In addition to these surgeries, Mercy Ships has a longstanding commitment to education, having trained 2,019 healthcare professionals in the past.

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