Philanthropy

The cruise industry utilizes ships to create lasting memories and serve the needs of their passengers. Mercy Ships uses state-of-the-art hospital ships to create lasting memories and to transform the lives of those they serve. 
 
The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery states that more than 18 million people die each year from a lack of safe surgery. In addition, billions of people experience chronic pain, financial catastrophe, and social stigma because of treatable injuries, ailments, and disfigurements. In sub-Saharan Africa, over 93% of the population lives without access to timely, safe, affordable surgery. 
 
For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has worked to combat this statistic by providing safe surgical care and medical capacity training to the countries they serve. Since its creation in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 56 countries providing services valued at over $1.6 billion that have impacted more than 2.8 million people. 
 
None of this would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who serve onboard the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy and the generous partners that help bring the Mercy Ships mission of hope and healing to fruition. CLIA members and Executive Partners can be a part of the Mercy Ships mission by joining the PartnerSHIPS program. Mercy Ships offers an engagement model that will bring more awareness to companies involved while also helping transform thousands of lives each year.