![Photo: Mercy Ships](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FGLM210406_SEA_TRIALS_DRONE_KS061_MID21.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Switzerland-headquartered global health charity Mercy Ships recently inaugurated the 37,000GT Global Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship, in a ceremony in Dakar, Senegal.
The inauguration was held shortly after the ship's arrival in Dakar as part of its initial deployment to Africa to help strengthen healthcare on the continent.
Global Mercy has capacity for 950 people including 200 patients. In addition to medical facilities such as wards, clinics, and operating rooms, the ship has onboard school and kindergarten facilities for the children of medical volunteers.