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Mercy Ships and Madagascar Celebrate the Conclusion of a Successful Field Service with Plans to Continue Next Year
Following 10 months of successful partnership in strengthening surgical care and health capacity, the Government of Madagascar and Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) announce the conclusion of the Africa Mercy's® 2025 field service. This marks the end of a significant chapter of collaboration, and the beginning of a new one, as the hospital ship prepares to return to Madagascar in May 2026 after a period of maintenance.
This field service represented Mercy Ships' fifth visit to Madagascar since 1996, and the second consecutive field service in the port of Tamatave for the Africa Mercy. During this period, the organization provided more than 1,370 life-changing surgeries for over 1,250 patients, addressing conditions such as goiters, bowed legs, cataracts, cleft lips, and more.
Among the year's most remarkable stories is that of a blind mother and daughter (https://apo-opa.co/499CadF) who, after years of relying solely on sound and touch, were finally able to see each other's faces following their surgeries on board. Additionally, the team delivered over 7,110 dental procedures for more than 1,140 dental patients.
“A fruitful collaboration exists between the Ministry of Public Health and Mercy Ships, working towards a strengthened health system and improved access to healthcare,” says Minister of Health, Dr. Managa Monira.
Over the course of its hospital ship's previous visits, Mercy Ships has worked with the Malagasy government to provide over 7,770 surgical procedures and over 57,930 dental procedures.
Beyond surgical care, Mercy Ships is committed to sustainable development in the host country's medical infrastructure. Since arriving in February, the organization has partnered with the Ministry of Health to deliver comprehensive medical training, designed to strengthen Madagascar's surgical systems and local healthcare professionals. This includes, among other disciplines, physiotherapist mentoring, surgery training, specialized biomedical, dental, and lab technician education, and nurse anesthetic mentoring. During this field service, the team delivered over 9,050 training hours on board, over 11,030 training hours off-ship, and engaged more than 150 unique participants.
“The dedication of our Malagasy colleagues reminds us why this work matters,” expresses Education, Training, and Advocacy Director Glenn Wiffin. “Walking alongside them as they strengthen their surgical system shows that real impact comes from empowering those shaping their country's future, leaving a legacy that will last long after we depart.”
As the ship prepares to leave the port city of Tamatave for maintenance, Mercy Ships expresses deep gratitude to the people and government of Madagascar for their hospitality, trust, and commitment to improving surgical care nationwide.
“More than 1400 volunteers from over 60 countries came together this year to serve the people of Madagascar on board,” says Nathan Janson, Managing Director of the Africa Mercy. “It has been an honor to share hope and healing. We look forward to returning in 2026 to strengthen partnerships, collaborate with the government, and meet the many patients still waiting for care.”
Following this season of positive impact in Madagascar, the Africa Mercy will enter an extended Annual Maintenance Period until she returns to Madagascar in May 2026 for a third consecutive field service. The scheduled return reaffirms Mercy Ships' long-term commitment to supporting Madagascar's goals for improving its national healthcare system.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.Press Contact:
RAVONIANDRO Rina
Communication Director, MoH
Tel: +261 34 23 004 77
Mail: rravoniandro@gmail.com
KOSGEI Zeddy
Communication Director, Africa Mercy
Mail: Zeddy.kosgei@mercyships.org
RANDRIAMANANTENA Robert
Logistics Coordinator International Program, Mercy Ships
TEL: +261.32 12 021 23
Mail: robert.randriamanantena@mercyships.org
International Volunteer Day: Munich Nurse Brings Medical Support Back to Her Home Country Madagascar
Since early November, Fahendrena Vanessa Rose de Lima Body, a trained nurse from Munich University Hospital, has been volunteering with Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) on board the hospital ship Africa Mercy® in Madagascar. This will have been the organization's fifth field service in the country, and the 28-year-old will return to Germany in mid-December once it concludes. For Vanessa, who was born in Madagascar, this marks the fulfilment of a long-held dream: to bring urgently needed medical support to her home country.
Vanessa Body first learned German as a foreign language during her school years in Madagascar. Inspired by her cousin, who worked as a translator on the Africa Mercy in 2014, she knew early on that she wanted to pursue a medical career and hopefully volunteer with Mercy Ships one day. After staying in Gmund am Tegernsee as an au pair in 2017, strengthening her German through a voluntary social year, she then began her nursing training at the municipal hospital in Bad Tölz. She gained professional experience mainly in anesthesia and emergency care before moving to her current position at Munich University Hospital.
Vanessa speaks vividly about the critical healthcare situation in Madagascar.
“Anyone who needs medical care in Madagascar has to pay. Treatment, medication – everything is expensive, and most people simply cannot afford it,” she explained. “If you have no money, you must accept your illness. There is no universal health insurance.” While there are several hospitals in the capital Antananarivo, where her parents live, the situation for people in rural areas is far more challenging: long distances, underdeveloped road infrastructure, and unaffordable costs. “Sometimes people die simply because there is no help available in the countryside,” she says. “That is why the work of Mercy Ships is so important for this country. Thanks to donations, patients can receive surgery free of charge, and, through training programs, local healthcare workers gain skills that will continue to benefit communities long after the ship has left.”
Vanessa is grateful to finally be able to support her fellow Malagasy citizens in person:
“As part of the anesthesia team on board, I can help overcome language barriers. For patients, everything about the ship is unfamiliar. I help them build trust with the medical team, create a sense of safety, and ease their fears. It is a wonderful service that I am honored to provide.”
Vanessa will return to her job in Munich in mid-December. A few days later, Mercy Ships' ten-month mission in Madagascar will come to an end.
“Without our volunteers, Mercy Ships simply could not carry out its work,” emphasizes Lydia Rieger, Managing Director of Mercy Ships Germany in Landsberg am Lech. “This year alone, around 100 volunteers came from Germany and Austria. On International Volunteer Day, we want to highlight just how indispensable their contribution is – whether in medical roles, technical support, or numerous other functions on board.”
More information at www.MercyShips.de
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
international.media@mercyships.org
About Mercy Ships Deutschland e. V.:
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to strengthen medical care in some of the world's least developed countries. Its comprehensive and long-term support programme includes donation-funded surgeries at the highest standard, training and capacity-building for local professionals, as well as agricultural and infrastructure projects.
Since its founding in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 countries, delivering services valued at over €1.85 billion. Around 3 million people have directly and indirectly benefited from the organisation's work. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from around 60 nations serve on board – specialists in surgery, dentistry, nursing, health education, teaching, cooking, navigation, engineering, and agriculture, all offering their time and expertise to help those in need.
With 16 national offices and an additional location in Africa, Mercy Ships brings lasting change to individuals and strengthens healthcare systems across entire countries. Mercy Ships is a non-profit organisation funded by donations. To support this work, please use the following bank details:
Further information at www.MercyShips.de