Continuing a long-term partnership with Madagascar, Mercy Ships renews its commitment with third consecutive field service.
The hospital ship Africa Mercy® arrived in Toamasina yesterday, marking the sixth time that Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) has visited the island nation since 1996. It is also her third consecutive field service to the country, reaffirming the strength of a growing partnership between Mercy Ships and the government of Madagascar.
Following the recent devastation of Cyclone Gezani, the return of the Africa Mercy comes at a meaningful moment for the country. While parts of Madagascar continue to recover, Mercy Ships expresses solidarity with its people and remains committed to supporting the nation’s ongoing recovery efforts through safe surgical care and long-term strengthening of its health systems.
“Returning to Madagascar for the third consecutive year is a powerful reflection of trust, partnership, and shared ambition,” said Nicholas Ahadjie, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Madagascar. “In a time of recovery following the cyclone, we are grateful to stand alongside the government and people of Madagascar, supporting both surgical needs and long-term resilience in healthcare.”
During the upcoming 2026 field service, Mercy Ships estimates to provide more than 1,400 surgeries, along with more than 1,400 dental encounters. Alongside these free life-changing interventions, the organization will invest in strengthening the country’s health systems by providing more than 22,500 hours of training and education for healthcare professionals across Madagascar.
Mercy Ships is honored to work closely with the newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr. Managna Monira, whose leadership reinforces the importance of strong collaboration in advancing national health priorities.
“Strengthening our surgical system remains a top priority for the Ministry of Public Health, and partnerships like the one with Mercy Ships are key to making this vision a reality,” said Dr. Managna Monira. “Together, we are working to ensure that high-quality surgical care is more accessible to the Malagasy people, while building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable health system.”
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