A Comprehensive Review of Mercy Ships’ Surgical Health Project in Liberia

In 2023 hera was selected to undertake a critical review of the "Partnering for Transformational Change: Strengthening Liberia’s Surgical Health System" project. This initiative, implemented by Mercy Ships and funded by Norad, was established against the backdrop of Liberia's challenging healthcare environment, particularly in its surgical health system.

In Liberia, the healthcare system, especially surgical and anaesthesia services, is grappling with a severe shortage of trained personnel and facilities that are inadequately equipped. Despite these constraints, county hospitals across Liberia are tasked with delivering a significant volume of surgical care. The high postoperative mortality rates highlight the urgent need for systemic improvements.

The project was spearheaded by Mercy Ships, a large charity organisation that aims to improve the quality of life of people living with disease, disfigurement, and disability through the provision of free anaesthesia equipment and surgical care throughout the world. . The project was designed to address these critical issues by enhancing the availability, accessibility, and quality of surgical care in Liberia. It focused on training healthcare professionals including biomedical technicians, supplying essential anaesthesia equipment, and improving overall healthcare infrastructure in various hospitals. This project is a result of Mercy Ships new strategic direction that adds a more prominent role to capacity building, and it was one of the first times Mercy Ships implemented a project using mainly bilateral funding.

The hera team, led by Ingeborg Jille-Traas and including team members Stein Erik Kruse and Leen Jille, with Vigdis Halvorsen from Norad as the observing member, embarked on this review to provide comprehensive insights into the project's effectiveness, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Their approach included using a mixed-methods evaluation, involving a comprehensive review of project activities, outcomes, and the challenges encountered. This review was vital in providing an objective perspective on the project's progress and impact, guiding future improvements and strategies for health system strengthening in Liberia.

You can read the full review on the NORAD website:

Partnering for Transformational Change: Strengthening Liberia’s Surgical Health System

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