Mindray and Mercy Ships, the world's largest nonprofit operating hospital ships, announced a multi-year strategic partnership. Through this partnership, Mindray deepens its commitment to advancing Mercy Ships' mission of delivering life-changing surgeries, medical training, and sustainable healthcare capacity across Africa.
Facing vast distances and limited medical infrastructure across Africa, Mercy Ships deploys hospital ships that deliver free surgical interventions while also serving as mobile training platforms. Operating on an annual cycle, Mercy Ships conducts nationwide patient screening followed by 10 months of intensive, portside surgical operations. These services encompass a wide range of specialties, including tumor removal, reconstructive surgery, orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, and dental care.
Approximately 170 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa representing over 95% of the population lack access to essential surgical care.
The region suffers from an acute shortage of surgeons, with a density of only 0.2 to 1.0 per 100,000 people, drastically below the World Health Organization standard of 20 per 100,000[1].
Over 15% of the continent's population lives two or more hours away from a hospital[2].
During nationwide screening, Mercy Ships requires highly portable and easy-to-use medical devices. Onboard the ships, the diverse and complex surgeries demand reliable and comprehensive medical solutions.
Building on a foundation established since 2017 - when Mindray North America began donating patient monitors - the partnership formally expanded in July 2025. This new phase includes donations of ultrasound devices to the Global Mercy? and the provision of both virtual and on-site volunteer technical support and training services.
Between 2018 and 2024, Mindray's North American and European subsidiaries provided continuous device and technical support. Currently, over 350 Mindray devices - including patient monitors, anesthesia machines, ultrasounds, AEDs, ECGs, and central monitoring stations - are operational aboard both Mercy Ships, ensuring care around the clock.
The impact of Mercy Ships extends far beyond the surgeries performed. Measured by the WHO/World Bank Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) metric, each 10-month service period restores 4,000-7,000 years of healthy life to patients, equivalent to granting an entire town of 5,000 people an extra year of healthy life.
Beyond direct patient care, Mercy Ships works to strengthen local health systems through surgical specialty training, preventative health education programs, and hospital infrastructure improvements. As the ships depart a nation, they leave behind not only healed patients but also newly equipped and trained local healthcare professionals - a "healthcare team that stays."
Since its founding in 1978, Mercy Ships has provided care services to over 2.89 million people, completed more than 120,000 surgeries, and trained over 55,000 volunteers. It now operates two floating hospitals
Global Mercy™
The world's largest civilian hospital ship, commissioned as a "training hospital." It has 6 operating rooms, 199 hospital beds, simulation training facilities, and can accommodate up to 640 personnel.
Africa Mercy®
Serving Africa since 2007, it features 5 operating rooms, 82 hospital beds, and can host 470 crew and medical staff.
"We are profoundly grateful to Mindray for their commitment to equip our hospital ships with life-saving technology. This partnership will directly impact the quality of care we can provide, enabling our volunteer medical teams to deliver surgeries and treatment that transform lives. Together, we are bringing hope and healing to some of the world's most vulnerable communities." Says Bryce Wagner, Head of Global Partnerships at Mercy Ships.
“Mindray recognizes that billions worldwide still lack adequate healthcare access, while millions of medical professionals urgently need enhanced capabilities. We are honored to partner with Mercy Ships, supporting their medical relief missions across Africa through innovative medical devices and solutions. By breaking geographical barriers with technology, we bring healing within reach for communities in need.” Says Yanmei Guo, Executive Vice President at Mindray.
In the future, Mindray will support Mercy Ships' life-changing work. Together, we aim to deliver on a promise exceeding 50,000 surgeries. This 'ship of technology and compassion' continues to write new chapters of life where the world needs it most.
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
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Reference:
[1] Lancet Global Health
[2] Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences