Palliative Care

Unfortunately, not every person who comes to the Africa Mercy with a physical or medical need will benefit from an operation. For many, the ship arrives too late - their condition has progressed beyond the point where medical help will bring healing. While those with terminal illnesses are suffering from physical, spiritual and emotional pain, their families are also suffering alongside them.

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The Mercy Ships Palliative Care Team assists these patients and families during this sensitive time.

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We provide training for the physical care of patients.  We invite local churches to offer spiritual and practical support.  Often, the terminally ill patients are the primary breadwinners of their families. In these cases, Mercy Ships works with surviving family members to develop new income opportunities.  We follow the model of Jesus as we tenderly care for dying patients and their grieving families.