Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978, bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilising people and resources worldwide, serving all people without regard for race or religion.
One of the greatest problems affecting people living in developing nations is the lack of available and affordable health care. Infrastructure is either substandard or simply non-existent.
In response to such need Mercy Ships offers a range of health care services free of charge. Highly skilled surgeons onboard the ships perform thousands of operations each year to correct disability, disfigurement and blindness. Medical and dental teams travel the country and establish clinics to provide vaccination programs, dental treatment, HIV/AIDS education, and basic health care for those with no access to these facilities. Local community health workers receive training in hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention.
The unique feature of Mercy Ships is that almost all who serve are volunteers, paying their own way and raising their own support to serve short-term for a few weeks to long-term in a career capacity.
- Tags:
- NGO, Nonprofit, Organization
- Category:
- Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)