Free Care Finder · Sub-Saharan Africa (rotating)

Mercy Ships

Sub-Saharan Africa (rotating) · Humanitarian NGO · Free

Hospital-ship NGO providing free surgical care to underserved populations in coastal African countries on a rotating basis.

Verify before traveling. CareFare lists public-health and humanitarian care programs as a directory. Eligibility, contact details and intake policies change — always confirm with the program before traveling. CareFare does not provide medical advice.
Conditions and procedures covered
Reconstructive surgeryCleft surgeryOrthopedic surgeryCataract surgeryTumor removalObstetric fistula repair
Eligibility
Open to residentsYes
Open to foreignersNo / restricted
Pediatric onlyNo
Visa requiredNo (see notes)
Referral requiredNo

Free surgical care aboard hospital ships docked in partner African countries. Patient selection happens at on-shore screening events; eligibility limited to residents of the host country during each ship deployment.

How to access
Official websitehttps://www.mercyships.org/
Phone—
Email—
Walk-in acceptedNo

Watch for screening announcements in the host country before each ship deployment. Patient selection is in-person at screening events.

Cautions

Care is available only during a ship deployment in your country. Check current and upcoming ship locations.

Languages spoken

en, fr

Sources

Last verified by CareFare: 2026-05-01.

Need guidance reaching this program?

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Three preferred date/time windows (we will pick one)

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