Mercy Ships Health Screening Turns Deadly
Posted/updated on: March 9, 2011 at 2:29 am
SIERRA LEONE — One person has been killed and nearly a dozen injured when violence broke out during a routine medical screening that Mercy Ships was providing in Sierra Leone. Problems began when a crowd stormed the Freetown National Stadium when the screening was taking place.
A news release issued by the Smith County Organization said Mercy Ships is deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today during medical screening at the Freetown National Stadium when a crowd stormed the gate resulting in several injuries and one life lost. Mercy Ships personnel working at the site attended the injured and accompanied them to local hospitals.
According to Don Stephens, Mercy Ships’ founder, “Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families of those affected by today’s events. The occurrence of this incident in the course of activities intended to restore lives is tragic. We move forward with tremendous sadness, but great determination, to assist as many people as possible in the next ten months.”
The news release went on to say that Mercy Ships has served Sierra Leone five times over the past two decades, also helping establish two land-based health care facilities. For the next ten months, Mercy Ships will be providing surgeries for qualified patients while working alongside the Sierra Leonean Government to support its five-year healthcare plan and strengthen the functions of the national health system.
