Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has selected Mercy Ships as their Charity of Choice. Through this partnership, CLIA will work with Mercy Ships to further endorse their initiatives to deliver healthcare to developing nations and make CLIA global members aware of the international nonprofit’s mission and efforts.
Mercy Ships operates floating hospitals that provide training for medical professionals, along with curative surgical interventions. The partnership will help Mercy Ships gain increased visibility in the cruise industry as well as facilitate collaboration with CLIA and its members.
“We’re proud to support the work that Mercy Ships is doing to increase access to healthcare throughout the world,” said Thomas P. Ostebo, President and CEO, CLIA. “The partnership is a natural fit, and we are delighted to be working with this reputable organization who is making a positive difference in the world.”
“As the world’s largest cruise industry association, CLIA will bring great value to our organization,” said Donovan Palmer, Group Managing Director for Mercy Ships. “Their knowledge of the industry and willingness to help get our message out to its members will be immeasurable.”
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Mercy Ship volunteers have been able to operate across the globe. A few examples include:
- 78,000 life-changing operations such as cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthopedic procedures, facial reconstruction and obstetric fistula repair
- 353,000 dental procedures
- Trained 5,800 local teachers
- Trained 35,300 local professionals in their area of expertise (anesthesiology, midwifery, sterilization, orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, leadership)
- Basic healthcare education classes for 183,000 local people
- 1,100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture