News and testimonials

When Armane was born with a cleft lip in Madagascar, his mother, Roseline, faced pain, isolation, and community judgment, which considered him "cursed." Without access to surgery, Roseline struggled to feed him and watched him grow with speech difficulties. Despite the rejection, the family never lost hope. The opportunity for 3-year-old Armane arrived through Mercy Ships. His sister, Lea, traveled four days to take him to the hospital ship Africa Mercy® for free cleft lip repair surgery. The surgery was a success, filling his parents with joy. Now, Armane can grow up knowing he is loved. His transformation not only brought hope to his family but surprised his entire village, proving that the cleft lip could indeed be fixed. Help us continue transforming lives like Armane's by visiting www.nde.org.

At age 12, Harimalala's life was interrupted by a sore throat that turned into a massive and life-threatening goiter. For 12 years, this enormous growth confined her to a life of shame and pain in Madagascar, forcing her to leave school and avoid people. Her condition was critical, as the growth seriously hindered breathing and swallowing. For a decade, Harimalala waited for the return of the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy® (Naves de Esperanza). Dr. AJ Collins and his volunteer team performed a complex four-hour operation to remove the 1.35-kilogram goiter. The success of the surgery was a new beginning: "I feel like I have entered a new life," said Harimalala. Free from shame, she now has hope of getting married and starting a family. Partner with Mercy Ships (Naves de Esperanza) to offer hope and healing! Visit nde.org.

At age 14, Tera, from Madagascar, bore the consequences of a burn accident. The lack of proper medical care caused a severe contracture that fused his foot and ankle, preventing him from wearing shoes and, most importantly, from playing soccer. Rejected on the field, Tera's greatest wish was to be accepted and seen. His mother, Marie, took him on a two-day journey to the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy® in search of free surgery. There, the volunteer surgeon, Dr. Tertius Venter, released the 13-year-old contracture in a successful two-hour operation. During his recovery, volunteer nurse Natasha Short became his close friend. Now, with a functional ankle, Tera can not only play soccer again but has reclaimed his favorite position as goalkeeper. Free from pain and isolation, the boy who wanted to be seen is now cheered on by his entire community. Stories of transformation like this are possible thanks to you! Visit nde.org.

In the first four months of 2025, Mercy Ships (Naves de Esperanza) has been in six African nations. The Global Mercy in Sierra Leone has performed 1,653 surgeries and trained 86 professionals. The Africa Mercy in Madagascar has carried out 517 surgeries and trained 23 experts. Additionally, land-based programs have reached Guinea Conakry, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Togo, offering training and healthcare. All of this is possible thanks to people like you, who believe in free and safe healthcare.

Annica, a 9-year-old, basketball-loving dreamer in Madagascar, suffered severe burns at age 2. Lack of proper treatment, including a traditional healer, resulted in a contracture that fused her arms, limiting her movement and leading to the cruel nickname 'Annica without an armpit'. Her parents, lacking resources, considered taking out a loan. Hope arrived with the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy®, where Dr. Venter performed complex reconstructive surgery and a skin graft. After six weeks of rehabilitation, Annica gained total freedom in her arms. She can now dress herself, play basketball, and write on her school's blackboard, ready for a limitless future.

The faith of Marie Elisa, 45, in Madagascar, was tested when a simple toothache turned into an orange-sized tumor in her jaw. Unable to farm, her family lost income and her daughter left school. Desperate and without funds for surgery, hope arrived in a "divine" way: the Mercy Ships team changed their route due to a cyclone and found her by chance. After examination, Marie Elisa and her husband Claude (who had an eye problem) were scheduled for free surgeries aboard the Africa Mercy®. The complex surgery removed the tumor, restoring her ability to eat and work. Marie Elisa and Claude returned home healthy, with unwavering faith and a renewed future for their family.