Each year, 16.9 million people around the world die due to lack of access to surgical care. Mercy Ships deploys hospital ships to provide free surgeries. Since 1990, Mercy Ships has conducted 42 field services in 14 African countries, most of which are ranked by the United Nations Development Index as the least developed in the world. In addition to surgical care, Mercy Ships creates lasting impact by training local medical professionals and strengthening in-country healthcare systems.