logo
Merck Foundation and their 'More Than a Mother' Ambassadors mark International Women's Day 2025

Merck Foundation and their 'More Than a Mother' Ambassadors mark International Women's Day 2025

Zawya01-04-2025

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication&Gender, mark 'International Women's Day 2025', through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 - 2024) expressed, 'Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!
Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.
Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women's Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ' More Than a Mother', 'Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement', 'Educating Linda', and 'STEM Program'."
"Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.
'I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,230 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1046 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders.
I am especially proud that we have awarded over 680 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.'
Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.
'I am happy to share that through our 'Educating Linda' Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are contributing to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more.
Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children's storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film&fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women's empowerment tomorrow', emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.
'Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,' emphasized Dr. Kelej.
Watch the Episodes of 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' TV program on Supporting Girl Education:
Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/4hWII1J
Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/4jiT8dj
Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/3RyTWi0
Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:
Watch, share&subscribe to the 'Girl Can' song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/4hT1OFR
Watch, share&subscribe the ' Like Them ' song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/3XER3jt
Watch, share&subscribe ' Take me to School ' song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls' education: https://apo-opa.co/4hXSFMi
Watch share&subscribe ' Tu Podes Sim ' Portuguese song, which means ' Yes, You Can ' in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/3QWBkZa
Watch, share&subscribe ' Brighter day' song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/4hZlfgt
Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education :
Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4iJ6Eqy
Jackeline's Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3R02DBU
Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education:
To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4iTvaW9
To read Jackline's Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/3XGehWt
To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/3E5Hu6p
To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4iJ6Jum
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3QV5eNx
X: https://apo-opa.co/3RtYxlH
Youtube: https://apo-opa.co/4jiz4Yt
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3QYRBNq
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/41TZmKJ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4hTHuV7
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3G0MLN4
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3QV5eNx), X (https://apo-opa.co/3RtYxlH), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3QYRBNq), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4jiz4Yt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/41TZmKJ) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4hTHuV7).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Timely diagnosis ‘can prevent prostate cancer risk'
Timely diagnosis ‘can prevent prostate cancer risk'

Gulf Today

time2 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Timely diagnosis ‘can prevent prostate cancer risk'

The risk of prostate cancer is relatively low in the UAE as compared to other countries as it affects approximately one in eight men globally. Men of African descent are more likely to receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer with one in six men being diagnosed with the disease. New cases rose from 1.4 million cases globally in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. Late diagnosis is widespread globally, especially in low- to middle-income countries, where comorbidities such as diabetes and heart diseases are also on the rise. This was stated by Dr Charles Ryan, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City in an email interview with Gulf Today. He recently visited UAE to attend a global conference. Dr Ryan has extensive research background, particularly in understanding how hormones drive resistance to treatment besides practicing and doing research for over 25 years and now work with new companies to develop novel treatments for prostate cancer and help bring them to the clinic. He also recently launched a podcast called 'The Good News About Cancer,' which highlights progress being made in cancer research and treatment. It is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms. Highlighting the regional ratio, he said 'Broadening to the Middle East, in 2020 there were approximately 52,000 new prostate cancer cases in the Middle East, which represents about 4% of global cases. Interestingly, in the Middle East the incident ratio is lower than it is in Europe and North America however, the region has a higher mortality to incidence ratio. In other words, as in many parts of the world, men of a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience lethal prostate cancer than men with a higher socioeconomic status.' Underlining the major symptoms, he pointed that 'The vast majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer do not have symptoms of the disease when they are diagnosed. Occasionally patients will have urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or changes in the number of times they need to urinate at night. There can occasionally be blood in the semen or urine, but such symptoms are rare and may indicate other conditions, such as infections. The most common risk factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, a family history of the disease, and certain ancestral backgrounds,' he added. About the preventive measures to avoid getting prostate cancer, he said 'We have tried many ways to prevent prostate cancer over the years with various hormonal manipulations and other drugs, which have not shown consistent benefits and have shown some risks. Therefore, we do not recommend pharmacologic intervention to prevent prostate cancer.'

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle

Zawya

time14 hours ago

  • Zawya

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle

Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Hypertension Day 2025' in partnership with Africa's First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia through their 'Nationwide Diabetes&Hypertension Blue Points Program, by reinforcing its commitment to improving cardiovascular and diabetes care across Africa, and beyond. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, 'At Merck Foundation we observe 'World Hypertension Day' by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinnology and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond. 'Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master's Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity&Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs in India, a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages. What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country — ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care.' Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana shares, 'I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and currently pursuing MSc in Cardiology. Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice. Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients. I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.' Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected. Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched several community awareness programs to emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention, early detection and management. Merck Foundation, together with The First Ladies of Africa has launched a storybook and its adapted animation Film 'Mark's Pressure'. 'I believe early education is key to building a healthier community. Through our storybook and animation film ' Mark's Pressure ', we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth — like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. I believe that this is the only way to to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses.' Watch the 'Mark's Pressure' Animation Film here: Moreover, Merck Foundation's pan African TV program 'Our Africa' conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has episodes dedicated to raising awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle. Watch the Episodes here: 'Our Africa' TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( ] and Merck Foundation [Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( ]. Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. 1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. 4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support

WHO maintains mpox public health alert amid West Africa surge
WHO maintains mpox public health alert amid West Africa surge

Al Etihad

time3 days ago

  • Al Etihad

WHO maintains mpox public health alert amid West Africa surge

9 June 2025 23:59 GENEVA (AFP)The World Health Organisation said Monday that the mpox virus epidemic remains an international health emergency, with more than 37,000 confirmed cases reported since it director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the extension of the emergency, following a meeting of international experts who noted progress in some countries but also highlighted a surge in west Africa and the spread of the virus outside WHO said since the epidemic started in early 2024 in Democratic Republic of Congo, there have been more than 37,000 cases in 25 countries, including 125 Congo accounts for 60 percent of the confirmed cases and 40 percent of the deaths from the virus, which causes a rash and severe flu-like and Burundi have been the next worst hit, followed by Sierra Leone, which the WHO said has seen a surge in cases this first declared mpox an international emergency in August last year. The International Health Regulations emergency committee met last Thursday to discuss the decided that the epidemic remains an international emergency "based on the continuing rise in the number of cases, including a recent increase in West Africa, and likely ongoing undetected transmission in some countries beyond the African continent." WHO also said some countries were still struggling to monitor the epidemic and with a lack of funding for treatment there was a need for "continued international support".

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store