AsiaNet 85610

GARDEN VALLEY, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- Over 16 million people die each year due to lack of surgical care; Mercy

Ships builds a response to this world problem for the future

Today, Mercy Ships announced a first look at the construction of the world's

largest NGO hospital ship which plans to sail to Africa in late 2021 under the

name of Global Mercy. Mercy Ships, a faith-based global organization powered by

charitable donors and volunteers, has been providing world-class surgical care

to those in need for more than 40 years, free of charge.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1273533/Global_Mercy_Exterior.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1273534/Mercy_Ships_Logo.jpg

"The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel -- a fully custom-built hospital

ship with customized instruments, state-of-the-art technology and

highly-trained talent of a modern hospital," said Rosa Whitaker, president of

Mercy Ships. "It also represents a unique call-to-action for anyone called to

serve, and it presents the opportunity for people to use their skill set to

positively impact global healthcare."

According to the Lancet Global Surgery 2030 Report, an estimated number of 16.9

million people die yearly due to lack of access to surgical care. Over 93

percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to safe and

timely surgery.[1] As COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile

healthcare systems globally, the need to provide basic life-saving care is

greater than ever, especially in low-to-middle income countries. The Global

Mercy will deliver a safe and clean environment to various African nations,

providing help and resources from some of the most well-trained physicians in

the world. Over the vessel's 50 year expected lifespan, it is estimated that

more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone.

In addition to providing surgeries, the Global Mercy will be outfitted with

state-of-the-art training spaces including a simulation lab with virtual and

augmented reality, mannequins and other training tools and simulated post-op

care space, which allow trainers to simulate local conditions and limitations

in order to teach best practices in low-resource environments.

The 174-meter, 37,000-ton ship will have six operating rooms and house over 600

volunteers from around the globe representing many disciplines including

surgeons, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians, the host staff and

more. The ship will also feature a 682-seat auditorium, student academy,

gymnasium, pool, café, shop and library -- all of which have been designed to

accommodate up to 950 crew onboard when docked in port.

The Global Mercy will join the current flagship Africa Mercy, more than

doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity. For

more information about Mercy Ships, updates on Global Mercy or how to volunteer

or donate, please visit: www.mercyships.org

[1] Lancet Global Surgery 2030 (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2916106-1&h=214617345&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelancet.com%2Fjournals%2Flancet%2Farticle%2FPIIS0140-6736(15)60160-X%2Ffulltext&a=Lancet+Global+Surgery+2030

)

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare

services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little

access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens,

Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services

valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million

people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 50 nations, with an

average of over 2,000 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons,

dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and

agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an

Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations.

For more information, visit: www.mercyships.org.au

SOURCE:  Mercy Ships

CONTACT: Diane Rickard

         International Media Relations Manager

         Mercy Ships

         international.media@mercyships.org, or

         mercyships.org