Minister Visits Mercy Ships for Dental Education Partnership

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie Tours Mercy Ships Facilities

SIERRA LEONE: The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, recently embarked on a tour of Mercy Ships facilities within the country. Led by Dr. Sandra Lakko, Country Director of Mercy Ships, the visit aimed to solidify the partnership between the two entities on dental education and explore avenues for sustainable progress.

Mercy Ships’ Mission and Services

During the tour, Dr. Lakko highlighted Mercy Ships’ mission as a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to providing free surgical and medical care to underserved populations. 

The organization operates a hospital ship with a crew of approximately 450 volunteers, supplemented by 300 Sierra Leonean day crew supporting medical procedures off the ship. 

Mercy Ships delivers seven specialized medical services, including Maxillofacial and Reconstructive Plastics Surgical Procedures, General Surgery for Adults and Pediatrics, Paediatric Orthopedic Surgical Procedures, and Eye Surgery.

Dr. Lakko emphasized Mercy Ships’ commitment to collaboration with local institutions and optimizing care delivery. While offering various medical services, the organization refrains from duplicating existing services, such as Obstetric Fistula Surgical Procedures provided by the Aberdeen Women’s Center. This underscores Mercy Ships’ dedication to working alongside local partners to ensure quality care for vulnerable populations.

Partnership for Dental Education

In response to Sierra Leone’s dental care needs, Mercy Ships has partnered with the University of Sierra Leone (USL) to enhance dental education. 

This collaboration extends to the University of Gamal in Guinea, facilitating dental education training. The joint dental training program between the two universities represents a significant advancement in higher education, addressing dental care gaps while providing Sierra Leonean students with quality education and training opportunities.

Dr. Lakko announced that five Sierra Leonean students are currently undergoing French language training in Conakry, Guinea, in preparation for the upcoming dental training program. 

Mercy Ships sponsors these students, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to advancing higher education in the country. The joint dental training initiative exemplifies the fruitful collaboration between Mercy Ships and USL, heralding a new era of specialized education and addressing critical healthcare needs in Sierra Leone.