Mercy Ships Wraps Up Madagascar Field Service, Eyes 2026 Return

ANTANANARIVO — The Government of Madagascar and international medical charity Mercy Ships have marked the conclusion of the Africa Mercy’s 2025 field service, closing a 10-month chapter of surgical care and health system support that officials say has had a lasting impact on patients and local professionals alike.

The hospital ship is now set to depart the port of Tamatave for a scheduled maintenance period, with plans already confirmed for a return to Madagascar in May 2026.

The upcoming visit will mark a third consecutive field service in the country, underlining what both sides describe as a long-term partnership rather than a one-off intervention.

This year’s mission was Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Madagascar since 1996, and its second consecutive deployment in Tamatave. During the 2025 field service, medical teams carried out more than 1,370 life-changing surgeries for over 1,250 patients.

Procedures addressed a wide range of conditions, including goitres, bowed legs, cataracts and cleft lips, many of which had gone untreated for years due to limited access to specialised care.

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One of the most widely shared stories from the mission involved a blind mother and daughter who regained their sight after surgery on board the Africa Mercy, allowing them to see each other’s faces for the first time. Alongside surgical care, the ship’s dental teams delivered more than 7,110 dental procedures to over 1,140 patients.

Health Minister Dr Managa Monira said the collaboration reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Madagascar’s health system. “A fruitful collaboration exists between the Ministry of Public Health and Mercy Ships, working towards a strengthened health system and improved access to healthcare,” she said.

The 2025 field service builds on nearly three decades of cooperation. Across its previous visits, Mercy Ships has worked with Malagasy authorities to provide more than 7,770 surgical procedures and close to 57,930 dental procedures nationwide.

Beyond direct patient care, a central pillar of Mercy Ships’ approach has been training and capacity building. Since arriving in February, the organisation has partnered with the Ministry of Health to deliver a wide range of professional training aimed at strengthening local surgical systems. This included mentoring for physiotherapists, surgeons and nurse anesthetists, as well as specialised training for biomedical technicians, dental professionals and laboratory staff.

In total, more than 9,050 training hours were delivered on board the ship, with a further 11,030 hours conducted off-ship in local facilities. More than 150 Malagasy healthcare workers took part in the programmes.

Glenn Wiffin, Mercy Ships’ Education, Training and Advocacy Director, said the emphasis on local capacity was key to long-term impact. “Walking alongside our Malagasy colleagues as they strengthen their surgical system shows that real impact comes from empowering those shaping their country’s future,” he said. “That is how you leave a legacy that lasts beyond a single visit.”

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As the Africa Mercy prepares to leave Tamatave, Mercy Ships has thanked the Malagasy government and communities for their cooperation and hospitality throughout the mission. According to the organisation, more than 1,400 volunteers from over 60 countries served on board during the 2025 field service.

Nathan Janson, Managing Director of the Africa Mercy, said the scale of international and local collaboration was a source of pride. “It has been an honour to share hope and healing with the people of Madagascar,” he said.

“We look forward to returning in 2026 to strengthen partnerships, collaborate further with government, and meet the many patients still waiting for care.”

The ship will now undergo an extended annual maintenance period before returning in May 2026. The planned return, Mercy Ships said, reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting Madagascar’s national goals of improving access to safe, timely surgical care and building a more resilient healthcare system.