Merck Foundation Concludes 12th Africa Asia Luminary Conference in The Gambia
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Merck KGaA Germany, recently hosted the 12th edition of its annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary,” in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia. Taking place in Banjul, the conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s initiative “More Than a Mother,” alongside Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation.
This year’s event also witnessed the presence of notable figures including H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, the First Lady of Liberia and Ambassador of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, who shared the stage with First Ladies from Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal as distinguished guests and keynote speakers.
Celebrating Collaborative Efforts in Healthcare Education
Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her excitement upon meeting H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai during the conference. She highlighted their significant achievements, noting, “Together, we have provided 52 scholarships for young doctors in various specialties, including fertility, embryology, and oncology. Some of these professionals are the first specialists in Liberia’s public healthcare sector, including the current Minister of Health, who is a proud alumnus of our program.”
H.E. Mrs. Boakai also took a moment to reflect on their joint initiatives, stating, “I am honored to serve as Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. We have made astonishing progress by offering scholarships to 52 local doctors in critical fields and through the ‘Educating Linda’ program, which supports 40 high-performing girls annually in their education journey.”
Insights from Conference Sessions
The first day of the conference featured a plenary session where First Ladies of Africa delivered impactful speeches. Additionally, a high-level ministerial panel discussion allowed African ministers to engage in meaningful dialogue about healthcare in their countries.
The following day, members of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) convened for a committee meeting, discussing the impact of Merck Foundation’s programs across various nations and strategizing future efforts.
Scholarship Initiatives Supporting Liberia’s Healthcare Professionals
Under the initiatives spearheaded by the Merck Foundation and Liberia’s First Lady, 52 scholarships were allocated to enhance local healthcare capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the program:
- 28 Scholarships: Focused on doctors specializing in Fertility and Embryology, as well as training in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, aiming to enhance support for infertile women and combat associated stigmas.
- 5 Scholarships: Dedicated to Oncology, with a focus on transforming cancer care in Liberia.
- 9 Scholarships: Offered in areas such as Acute Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, and Nursing, addressing multiple healthcare gaps.
- 10 Scholarships: Provided for advanced training in Diabetes and Endocrinology, allowing doctors to establish clinics to improve diabetes care in the region.
Empowering Young Girls Through Educational Programs
The Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Liberia also launched the “Educating Linda” program, which awards scholarships to 40 exceptionally talented yet underprivileged girls each year, helping them pursue their education through graduation. Additionally, the foundation distributed 3,000 essential school supplies to support students in need.
In an effort to raise awareness about important social issues, Merck Foundation collaborated with the First Lady to produce nine children’s storybooks, including titles like “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda.” These books aim to foster discussions on subjects such as infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, and health concerns like diabetes and cancer.
Engaging the Community Through Awards and Recognition
The foundation announced a call for applications for eight awards, targeted at individuals in media, music, fashion, and filmmaking. These awards aim to recognize and encourage artistic contributions that address health and social issues effectively.
Live Stream and Public Engagement
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was broadcast live across various social media platforms, engaging a global audience and encouraging further discussion about its initiatives.
Overall, the conference illustrated the ongoing commitment of the Merck Foundation to enhance healthcare access and education in underserved communities. Their comprehensive approach not only focuses on immediate healthcare needs but also emphasizes building a sustainable future through education and empowerment.
