A-dec joins Mercy Ships in first reveal of Global Mercy hospital ship

Mercy Ships has been providing world-class surgical care free of charge to those in need for more than 40 years. A-dec has donated dental equipment for the Global Mercy’s onboard dental clinic.

“It is exciting to see the ship being completed,” said Scott Parrish, president and CEO of A-dec. “We are honored to be a longtime partner of Mercy Ships and get to play a role in the important work that the Global Mercy will be doing for years to come around the world.”

“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 health care.”

Over 93% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa does not have access to safe and timely surgery. As COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile health care systems globally, the need to provide basic lifesaving 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 projected 50-year life span, it is estimated that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone.

“For more than 55 years, A-dec has lived by the principle of prioritizing concern for people above all else”
– Scott Parrish, president and CEO of A-dec

In addition to donating dental equipment for use on hospital ships, A-dec is supporting Mercy Ships’ efforts to establish permanent and sustainable in-country health clinics and schools for the nations it serves. This includes dental clinics and schools that are training the next generation of dental professionals who will provide care and service to areas of the world that experience barriers to accessing dental care.

“For more than 55 years, A-dec has lived by the principle of prioritizing concern for people above all else, and we are motivated by solving problems so that we can help take care of communities around the world,” said Parrish. “The progress we’re able to make toward the betterment of dentistry is strengthened when we partner with organizations like Mercy Ships, who are so committed to enhancing sustainable programs and training in medical, dental and vision health care.”

In addition to providing surgery, the Global Mercy will be outfitted with modern training spaces, including a simulation laboratory with virtual and augmented reality, mannequins and other training tools, and a simulated postoperative care space, which will allow trainers to simulate local conditions and limitations in order to teach best practices in low-resource environments.

The 174 m, 37,000 t ship will have six operating rooms and house more than 600 volunteers from around the globe, including surgeons, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians and the host staff. The ship will also feature a 682-seat auditorium, student academy, gymnasium, pool, cafe, 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, the Africa Mercy, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity. For more information about Mercy Ships, updates on the Global Mercy, or how to volunteer or donate, please visit www.mercyships.org.

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