Latest news with #FirstLadies
Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- 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
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gauri Khan's brother used to threaten Shah Rukh Khan to stay away from his sister with a gun: 'Tereko maloom hai katta kya hota hai?'
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan had an interfaith marriage and they fell in love when Gauri was just in the 9th grade. Shah Rukh was in grade 12th that time. As they started liking each other so young, Gauri's brother Vikrant Chibber was very possessive about her and hence used to threaten SRK for looking at his sister. It was a warning to him to not cause harm to Gauri. Shah Rukh had spoken about it once in an interview with Kapil Sharma and revealed that he used to also threaten him with a gun. "Wo apne aap ko school ka bada dada samjhte the. Wo jab milta tha gundagardi dikhate the. Mai unse tameez se milta tha. Ek baar usne mujhe bola tereko maloom hai katta kya hota hai? Maine kaha nahi ji mujhe nahi maloom katta kya hota hai, mujhe maloom tha.' SRK revealed that he was always polite to him, considering he was Gauri's brother. Meanwhile, Gauri had revealed that her parents were initially against their interfaith wedding but later, they were convinced by Shah Rukh Khan. She had also changed his name to Abhinav during their dating phase so that they think he's a Hindu. Gauri said, "We were so young and then to take a decision to get married and to a person who is going to join films, and being from a different religion. We changed his name to Abhinav so they feel he is a Hindu boy but that was really silly and very childish," she told Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla on their show First Ladies. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Marks ‘World Hypertension Day' 2025 – Transforming Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Beyond by Providing 863 Scholarships for Doctors From 52 Countries
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, Endocrinology 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 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: 30th 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: 30th 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: 30th 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: 30th October 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Additional Images: Contact details: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: 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 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.
Kuwait Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Kerala Tuskers clinch victory at KEA Ladies Throwball Tournament 2025
The KEA Ladies Throwball League (KTL) 2025, held at Fahaheel Sports Club, delivered a thrilling day of sportsmanship, energy, and women's empowerment. Four formidable teams - Kerala Tuskers, Yelliminators, Beta House, and Venad Warriors—battled it out in a spirited contest. In a gripping finale, Kerala Tuskers emerged as champions, defeating a determined Yelliminators side. One of the most intense matches of the day was the virtual semifinal between Beta House and Yelliminators, decided by a nail-biting one-point margin. The tournament was inaugurated with a welcome address by joint secretary Steephen Podi Kunju, followed by the presidential address by Ebey Samuel, in the presence of KEF GC, GCD, and Alumni Presidents. A historic moment came with the first-ever ceremonial Throw Off by the First Ladies of KEF, adding a symbolic and celebratory start to the day. The following players were honored with different titles after the finals: Player of the Tournament: Jancy (Kerala Tuskers) Best Server: Raheena Kamal (Venad Warriors) Most Promising Player: Serin (Kerala Tuskers) The event was marked by exceptional coordination from sports secretaries Sibu Thomas and Athira Ajay, with vital support from Commissioner Lintha, First Lady Auctioneer Swapna, dedicated referees, volunteers, and the proactive EC-27 team. Backed by the KEF community and alumni support, KTL 2025 reaffirmed KEA's commitment to promoting women's sports, community bonding, and inclusive participation. As the flagship women's event under KEA, it continues to inspire involvement, build connections, and create joyful, family-friendly memories.
The Independent
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kay Burley: The journalist who was the face of Sky News from the start
Kay Burley was the face of Sky News from the beginning of the channel, having been there since the channel started in 1989. The 64-year-old journalist, who has been at the broadcaster for 36 years, has covered royal events, general elections and major events for Sky News. Raised in Wigan, Lancashire, Burley's parents worked in a cardboard factory and she attended Whitley High School. She took her first steps into journalism reporting for the Wigan Evening Post and Chronicle aged 17. Eventually she secured a job with the BBC on its local radio stations and then Tyne Tees Television, before joining the now defunct TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Burley was recruited by Scottish broadcaster Andrew Neil and moved to the fledgling Sky News in the 1980s as one of its founding presenters, covering major stories including the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. On occasion she wrote for the Sunday Mirror newspaper and stood in for Iain Dale on his LBC show. Burley joined the second series of ITV's Dancing On Ice in 2007, skating for Macmillan Cancer Care in memory of her mother, who died of breast cancer. She was eliminated in the fifth week and donated her appearance fee to the charity. In February 2010, Burley apologised to guest Peter Andre who became tearful after she aired comments by the former footballer Dwight Yorke, who criticised the singer after he volunteered to adopt Katie Price's first child, and Yorke's son, Harvey. Burley published her debut novel, First Ladies, in 2011. The erotic romance set in the media industry received mostly negative reviews. September 2018 saw her given her own show on Sky News as part of a major shake-up at the channel. The next year, she moved to the breakfast time slot, with her programme rebranded as Kay Burley @Breakfast and billed as 'a hard-hitting, news-making breakfast news programme that will set the agenda for the day'. In November 2019, she 'empty chaired' then Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly after claiming he had missed a planned appearance on her breakfast show, although the Tory MP responded that he was not due to appear. During the coronavirus pandemic, she regularly grilled politicians about lockdown rules. In May 2020, she questioned Cabinet minister Michael Gove on the controversy over Dominic Cummings' trip to Barnard Castle. But in December she admitted to breaking Covid-19 rules during celebrations for her 60th birthday and, following an internal review, was suspended from her role for six months. The channel's political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid were also both taken off air for three months after attending the party. Burley returned to Sky News on June 7 2021, and later told the Daily Mail she 'thought I was Covid-compliant. I wasn't. I made a mistake'. 'I was an idiot and I let myself and my viewers down,' she said. 'I'm sorry for what I did and for any heartache I caused the loyal friends with me at the time.' A year later she presented a programme quizzing Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak as they vied to become prime minister. Meanwhile, in October 2023, Sky News conceded that on-air remarks by Burley about the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Dr Husam Zomlot, 'gave a potentially misleading representation' of his views. More than 1,500 complaints were made to the media watchdog Ofcom about the Breakfast With Kay Burley programme on October 10, which took place after Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Last year, Burley anchored the overnight general election results programme for Sky News which saw Sir Keir Starmer secure the premiership.
