Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay, Freetown, 5 June 2026 –
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio attended the Mercy Ships Partners’ Thank You Event, held to celebrate the successful conclusion of the humanitarian organization’s three-year mission in Sierra Leone and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
The event marked a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Mercy Ships, a collaboration that has delivered life-changing surgical care, professional training, and health systems support to thousands of Sierra Leoneans.
In his welcome remarks, Mercy Ships Managing Director, Matt Murray, expressed appreciation to President Bio for his visionary leadership and steadfast support throughout the organization’s operations in Sierra Leone. He commended the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and creating an enabling environment for impactful partnerships.
“Your Excellency, your leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans have been instrumental in the success of our mission. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received and for the opportunity to serve alongside the people of Sierra Leone,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, Mercy Ships Country Director, Dr. Sandra Lako, announced the organization’s decision to extend its partnership with Sierra Leone through a new ten-year framework agreement, aimed at sustaining support to the country’s healthcare sector and advancing long-term capacity development.
Dr. Lako noted that the new partnership framework reflects Mercy Ships’ confidence in Sierra Leone’s healthcare reform agenda and its commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to build a resilient and sustainable health system.
Delivering the keynote address, President Bio expressed profound gratitude to the Mercy Ships team, healthcare professionals, volunteers, development partners, and all Sierra Leoneans who contributed to the success of the mission.
The President emphasized that healthcare remains a central pillar of his Government’s Human Capital Development Agenda, underscoring the importance of investing in the health and wellbeing of citizens as a foundation for sustainable national development and economic prosperity.
“Healthcare is not merely a social service; it is an investment in our people and our future. A healthy population is essential for national progress, productivity, and prosperity. That is why my Government continues to prioritize healthcare as a key component of our Human Capital Development Agenda,” President Bio stated.
He further noted that the legacy of Mercy Ships would endure through the strengthened healthcare institutions, enhanced professional capacity, and improved access to quality medical services that the partnership has helped establish.
“While the vessel may be departing Sierra Leone’s shores, its impact will continue to be felt through the thousands of lives transformed, healthcare professionals trained, and institutions strengthened. The legacy of Mercy Ships will remain embedded in our healthcare system for generations to come,” he said.
President Bio also highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges across the continent, calling on African nations to champion innovative and homegrown solutions through strategic collaboration, investment, and knowledge-sharing.
He concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its citizens, and expressed appreciation to Mercy Ships for its unwavering support and partnership.
The event brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, Mercy Ships volunteers, and beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through the organization’s interventions, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the partnership and chart a path for future collaboration.
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