Dakar, Senegal ~ June 13, 2022


The Global Mercy ship has been in Dakar, Senegal for two weeks. The first week involved hosting an inauguration celebration and Dakar Declaration ceremony. There were many presidents and health ministers from West African nations present on the ship. The Dakar Declaration builds on the foundation formed during the International Symposium, held in Senegal, during May 2022.  The goal is to advance surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care in African nations. Witnessing the events showed me a world working together for the common good of all people.

During my month long stay in Senegal, the crew will help with the training of 260 Senegalese health professionals. I have been part of the training by helping the visiting health professionals understand where to get their COVID test and how to enter the ship's hospital for classes.  Our sister ship, Africa Mercy, has been busy doing surgeries on board since February 2022, and plans on staying until the end of the year.  The Global Mercy ship plans on returning to Senegal in February 2023 to continue the surgical hope and healing goals.

I have been aboard the Global Mercy ship for five weeks. I celebrate being familiar with the ship, routines and drills. Now I need to learn the languages of the countries, Spanish for Tenerife and French for Senegal. The Global Mercy ship continues to engage in capacity building with need to increase crew. We currently have around 250 crew but will build to full capacity prior to arriving back in Senegal. The Global Mercy ship accommodates 950 people when docked, including 641crew members, who are made up of volunteers from around the world. 




This mural is on a wall at the entrance to the Dakar port. It is a painting done by a Senegalese artist to welcome the Mercy Ships to Dakar, Senegal.

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