African Health Ministry, LCC Sign Agreement With Mercy Ships

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Africa and the Liberia Council of Churches have signed an agreement with an international Christian charity organization to "bring hope and healing to the people of Liberia." U.S.-based Mercy Ships is expected to bring a team of 4000 crew members including medical practitioners who will work in Health Care Services; Community Development, Education and Spiritual Programs.

According to a news release, the agreement was concluded at the Executive Mansion when Christopher Guillebeau, Program Officer of the Mercy Ships along with representatives of the (LCC) and Health Minister Dr. Peter Coleman, paid Chairman Gyude Bryant a courtesy visit.

Chairman Bryant thanked the LCC for initiating the visit of Mercy Ships to Liberia, and complimented its continued partnership and constructive engagement with government toward the holistic development of the nation and its people. He pledged his Government's fullest support to the work of the Christian organization to bring hope and healing to the people of Liberia.

An advanced team from the Mercy Ships is expected to arrive in Liberia in November to work along side the Government of Liberia and various social institutions in preparation for the arrival of the Ship and crew in March 2005.

Mercy Ships, whose primary mission is to alleviate the effects of poverty around the world, works in collaboration with host governments and the local civil society in the areas of relief and sustainable development assistance.

The priority areas of Mercy Ships Ministries are Health Care Services including specialized surgical capacity, Community Development including Water and Sanitation, Education including teacher training and capacity building, and various Spiritual Programs.

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has performed more than 2 million services, with a value of 250 million dollars, and impacted over 5.5 million people.