Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meets Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality & Family Welfare to Launch "Educating Linda" Program, Supporting Education of 20 Deserving yet Underprivileged Mauritian Schoolgirls Girls Until Graduation
Dr. Rasha Kelej during her meeting with the Mauritius President, strengthened partnership to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare and Empower Women in STEM.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej also met the Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality&Family Welfare to share the impact of their programs to address critical social issues like supporting girl education and Ending Gender Based Violence in the country.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany met Hon'ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare during a high-level meeting, to share the impact of their programs and underscore their long-term commitment to address critical social issues in Mauritius.
During her visit, she also met H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in partnership with Ministry of Health and underscore their long-term commitment to transform public healthcare in Mauritius.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of 'More Than a Mother' Campaign emphasized, 'It was a great honor to meet Hon'ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare and share with her the impact of our partnership and programs since 2017 that aim to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, to empower women in STEM, support girl education and raise awareness about social and health issues in Mauritius and the rest of Africa.
I am very happy to share that together with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, we are launching our Educating Linda Program in the country, as a part of which we will be supporting the education of 20 high performing yet underprivileged Mauritian schoolgirls, till they graduate. Through this, we will be empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential.'
Merck Foundation has provided 100 scholarships for Mauritian doctors in 44 critical and under-served specialties.
'During my meeting with H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, we also discussed the possibility of providing specialized training for Mauritian doctors in innovative and emerging fields such as Stem Cell Therapy in pathology, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in Radiology, Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Neurology, Nephrology, Urology, and Neurosurgery. We are strongly committed to work closely with Ministry of Health to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions', added Dr. Kelej.
The 100 scholarships for local Mauritian Doctors have been provided for One-Year PG Diploma and Two-year Master Degrees in many critical specialties including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual&Reproductive Care, Oncology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neuroimaging for Research, Sexual&Reproductive Care, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Critical Care, Neonatal Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Advanced Cytopathology and many more.
Merck Foundation has so far provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, with many of them becoming the first specialists in their countries.
During her visit, Merck Foundation CEO also met the Senior Officials from the Office of Hon'ble Minister of Health, Mauritius.
Merck Foundation also conducted the 4 th Edition of their Health Media Training for the Mauritian Media Representatives in partnership with Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius. The training session was conducted to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV, Diabetes and Hypertension awareness. It was co-chaired by Merck Foundation CEO and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.
During the training session, the Call for Application for 8 important Merck Foundation Awards were announced for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
The award announced are:
Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025.
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025.
Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: 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 address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025.
Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025.
Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension', in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: 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.
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension', in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: 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.
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.
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 the above awards can be submitted to us at:
submit@merck-foundation.com
For information on the above awards, please visit our website:
www.Merck-Foundation.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: 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/3GZAB8c
X: https://apo-opa.co/46Yc51M
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/450kdfL
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/41aw4Xg
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4m1Sj9O
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4o4qNdO
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4nYOCDX
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/3GZAB8c), X (https://apo-opa.co/46Yc51M), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/41aw4Xg), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/450kdfL), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4m1Sj9O) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4o4qNdO).
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences Graduates 391 Students
Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, in its 4th commencement, today conferred postgraduate, first degree, and diploma qualifications to 391 graduates, including 55% female students. Postgraduate programs included fields such as Clinical Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics and Child Health. Fields of study for first degree and diploma programs included Doctor of Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory, Dental Technology, Radiology, Adult Health Nursing, Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Midwifery, Ophthalmic Nursing, Comprehensive Nursing, and Environmental Health. Dr. Yemane Seium, Dean of the College, stated that the graduates will significantly contribute to reducing medical training costs, improving the quality of care provided to the public, and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country. Dr. Yemane also noted that academic activities at the college are conducted by 90 faculty members, 70 Eritrean and 20 foreign professionals. He added that during the current academic year, 12 faculty members of Orotta College of Medicine and Health Science are pursuing postgraduate studies inside the country and abroad. In her keynote address, Ms. Amina Nurhussein, Minister of Health, emphasized that the encouraging progress in the health sector is the result of the Government's substantial investment across all sectors. She called on the graduates to actively contribute to realizing the roadmap of the national health sector. A representative of the graduates highlighted the growing role of youth professionals in advancing national healthcare services and affirmed their readiness to serve the public with dedication. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
How a UAE-led humanitarian initiative is saving Afghan mothers and children
When Shazia Mohammadi recently gave birth to her seventh child, it marked a historic moment ‚ not just for her family, but for thousands of Afghan mothers like her — who now have access to life-saving medical care through a UAE-led humanitarian initiative. 'Previously, we only had to give birth at home. But this clinic near our house has been a blessing,' said Shazia. Her husband, Ramadan, noted that it was their first experience to have professional medical care after six previous home births. Shazia and Ramadan are thankful to the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), a joint venture between Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed and Tanweer Investments in Afghanistan. It operates 10 clinics across seven provinces in Afghanistan, serving over 100,000 people through a project that impacts healthcare, education, and employment. FBMI's healthcare network provides maternity care, emergency obstetric services, pediatric care, and free vaccinations. Each facility serves over 100 patients daily, with culturally sensitive care delivered by locally trained staff. Beyond healthcare, FBMI's educational initiatives have supported over 20,000 children since 2010, providing literacy, numeracy, and health awareness programs. According to their leadership, FBMI approaches solutions and impact through the provision of healthcare, jobs and education. Watch the video below: 'These three pillars work together to create long-term stability,' FBMI CEO Maywand Jabarkhyl told Khaleej Times. 'Employment through our social enterprises gives families a reliable income, which supports access to healthcare and education," he added. Since 2010, FBMI has employed over 8,000 Afghans across sectors including healthcare support, agriculture, and carpet weaving. The programme creates sustainable employment while ensuring children receive education and families access medical care. 'The effect is transformative. Employment brings income, but more importantly, it brings dignity, stability, and hope. Families can send their children to school, afford basic needs, and take control of their futures,' said Jabarkyhl. Operating in Afghanistan presents its own set of challenges due to the geopolitical environment. 'The biggest challenge has been operating within the current uncertainty in Afghanistan,' said Jabarkhyl, adding: 'Political shifts, economic instability, and disruptions in infrastructure make it difficult to maintain consistency.' Cultural integration remains central to FBMI's way of working. 'Cultural understanding is built into every aspect of our work, We consult with community elders, employ local teams, and design programs that are in harmony with Afghan traditions and values.' The programme's success has inspired a broader expansion plan. 'Over the next 50 years, we aim to extend our reach to other countries in need,' noted Jabarkhyl. FBMI has already expanded into Tanzania and Zanzibar and looks forward to driving impact in other parts of the world.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Women and girls of African descent: Celebrating contributions, recognising challenges
This Friday marks the first observation of the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, following a declaration last year by the UN General Assembly. It recognises their immense contributions to society, but also acknowledges the challenges they face due to the double burden of racism and sexism. Although woman and girls of African descent embody strength, resilience and untapped potential, they remain among the most marginalised groups globally due to the intersection of racial, gender and socioeconomic discrimination. For example, they suffer alarming maternal mortality rates, according to the UN's reproductive health agency, UNFPA. Oftentimes, cases are not related to income or education, but rather to racism and structural inequality stemming from a legacy of slavery and colonialism. 'The good news is these things are not irreversible,' Patricia DaSilva, a senior programme adviser with the agency told UN News. 'We can fix them. We have the solutions for many of the problems that we are facing in terms of maternal health for women and girls of African descent.' Data and solutions UNFPA advocates for stronger health systems and investment in midwifery programmes, culturally sensitive training for healthcare providers and improvements in data collection. The agency also invests in partnerships such as an initiative in the Pacific region of Colombia, home to large communities of people of African descent. 'We have worked with the traditional midwives for them to integrate ancestral knowledge with modern health practices. This includes supporting accurate birth registration,' she said. 'It sounds like a really simple thing, but when you are in a remote community without access to technology, without access to administrative offices, it becomes this really, really important issue.' Agents of change Ms. DaSilva upheld the theme for the International Day, which focuses on women and girls of African descent as leaders, not just beneficiaries. 'I think it is important that the international community, the global community, understands that women and girls of African descent are not recipients of aid. They are leaders. They are innovators. They are agents of change,' she said. 'We have an opportunity and even an obligation and a responsibility to support the efforts to resource their solutions, to elevate their voices and continue to really double our efforts to dismantle the structural barriers that continue to impede their progress.' The first celebration of the International Day coincides with the start of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs through 2034. The aim is to take concrete actions to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice, and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people from the African diaspora worldwide, building on the previous Decade, which ended last year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
