The Global Mercy™, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has officially launched its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone with the successful surgery of its very first patient — a 40-year-old kekeh driver named Mohamed.

For more than five years, Mohamed endured the daily pain of a hernia while driving through the bustling streets of Freetown to support his wife and four children. Fear of complications kept him from seeking treatment, but when he heard the Global Mercy had once again docked in Freetown, he found the courage to register.

On August 29, after a thorough screening, Mohamed underwent the one-hour surgery that not only removed his hernia but also restored his dignity, health, and ability to work without pain.

“This surgery is going to have a huge impact. It allows Mohamed to return to work without pain,” said Dr. John Zwiacher, a volunteer surgeon from the USA, serving on his ninth mission with Mercy Ships.

Unlike in many high-income countries, hernias in Sierra Leone often go untreated, with studies showing a prevalence of 7.7% among adult males — one of the highest rates in the world. The surgery marked a significant milestone, not only for Mohamed but also for Sierra Leone’s broader healthcare journey.

The start of this new season of service was inaugurated with a Partner Welcome Event on board the Global Mercy, attended by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, government officials, diplomats, churches, nonprofits, and private sector representatives.

“We have seen Mercy Ships providing clinical services to children who were then able to reintegrate into the school system and their communities. This is a service that restores hope and dignity,” said Vice President Jalloh.

The Global Mercy is staffed by an international team of volunteers from countries including Canada, the UK, Sweden, and the United States, all united by a single purpose — to provide surgery and care for patients in need.

Dr. Steven Purdon, the newly appointed Hospital Director, praised the volunteers:

“This milestone is a powerful testament to the dedication of our incredible hospital volunteers, whose commitment makes our mission possible every day.”

With Mohamed’s successful surgery, the Global Mercy has set a hopeful tone for the months ahead. The ship is expected to perform hundreds of life-changing operations during this field service while also working with Sierra Leonean partners to strengthen the country’s surgical and anesthetic capacity.

For Mohamed, the operation means a pain-free future, more time with his family, and the ability to continue providing for them without the burden of his condition.