Mercy Ships Canada and the University of Sherbrooke Renew Their Partnership Aboard the Africa Mercy

Longueuil, QC, July 27th 2026 –  Mercy Ships Canada is pleased to mark the second year of its partnership with the University of Sherbrooke, a unique collaboration that began in 2025 and was renewed in 2026 as part of the Passerelle DEC-BAC in Nursing’s graduate program in advanced wound care.

This year, a group of four participants from the University of Sherbrooke will take part in this exceptional clinical and humanitarian experience aboard the Africa Mercy®, which is currently on a mission in Madagascar. The team consists of Chantal Doddridge, a lecturer, will be on her third mission aboard the ship, accompanied by three graduating students enrolled in the graduate-level course in advanced wound care.

For seven weeks, this team will handle all wound care needs for the mission in Madagascar. Through this clinical immersion, they will serve as the official wound care team for patients who have undergone major surgeries, directly contributing to the quality and continuity of care provided on board.

"At the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sherbrooke, we believe that nursing education is not limited to the acquisition of clinical knowledge, but also involves developing a deep commitment to the most vulnerable people. This partnership with Mercy Ships fully reflects the values we wish to instill in our students: humanism, excellence, knowledge sharing, and social responsibility. Offering our future professionals the opportunity to put the best wound care practices into action in an exceptional humanitarian setting provides an unparalleled learning experience, while making a tangible contribution to improving the quality of life for patients who would otherwise lack access to this specialized care. We are particularly proud to support this initiative and to contribute, in our own way, to this mission that brings hope.”



 — Isabelle Reeves, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke

“As a mentor and internship coordinator, I had the privilege of watching passionate interns and young nurses step outside their comfort zones and discover just how much they were capable of with last year’s group. On board the Africa Mercy, wound care is a crucial step in the healing journey for many patients, particularly during complex surgical procedures. I hope this year’s cohort will have an experience that leaves a lasting impact not only on their professional practice but also on their perspective on diversity and humanity.”



 — Chantal Doddridge, Lecturer, University of Sherbrooke

The presence of the team from the University of Sherbrooke is particularly significant as Mercy Ships returns to Madagascarfor what will be the Africa Mercy’s final surgical mission in the country before a period of ship maintenance scheduled for early 2027. The visit by the four women from Quebec takes on special significance as the country is still recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani in the winter of 2026, which served as a stark reminder of these regions’ vulnerability to storms and humanitarian crises. Although this mission is shorter than previous ones, it remains essential for both the patients and the teams supporting them. This commitment is further reinforced by a desire for continuity, as the program is set to continue for a third year in 2027.

“Mercy Ships Canada would like to highlight the remarkable commitment of the University of Sherbrooke, which agreed to adjust its academic calendar to allow the Class of 2026 to serve aboard the Africa Mercy from July through September. This flexibility has made it possible to meet the significant needs of the wound care department, a vital link in the recovery journey of patients undergoing the mission’s most complex surgeries. We also commend the generosity of the participants, who have agreed to extend their time on board to continue this work of service to the communities we support.”



– Catherine Tremblay, Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement, Mercy Ships Canada

Learn more about Mercy Ships' mission HERE

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organization that deploys the two largest civilian hospital ships in the world, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy™, to provide free, high-quality healthcare to the most disadvantaged. The international NGO also supports the development of host countries’ healthcare systems by training healthcare professionals and renovating infrastructure. Founded in Switzerland in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has operated in 55 countries. On board its ships, an average of 2,500 volunteers per year, from 60 countries, contribute to Mercy Ships’ mission. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, cooks, sailors, engineers, and teachers dedicate their time and skills to this cause. With offices in 16 countries and an operational center for Africa based in Dakar, Senegal, Mercy Ships serves nations by restoring health and dignity.

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Source : 

Mercy Ships Canada

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