Latest news with #FirstLadies
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025, in presence of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and African&Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. During the Summit, Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also conducted on Day 2, for African journalists, to emphasize on the important role the media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Empower Women at all levels. Moreover, to raise awareness about early detection&prevention of Diabetes&Hypertension. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Chairperson of MFFLI Summit, and President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign, emphasized, 'I strongly believe that media has the power to shape mindsets and create a culture shift. Journalists can drive real change through their daily reporting by raising awareness about critical social and health issues—such as breaking the stigma of infertility, promoting girls' education, ending child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and encouraging early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.' Watch the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session here: The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of 'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Community Awareness Program. Since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided their Health Media Training for more than 3,700 media representatives from 35 countries in Africa. During the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8 th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the Day 1, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: During the Day 2 of the conference, two Medical and Scientific Sessions on Oncology and Diabetes&Hypertension also took place. During the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit, the Call for Applications for 8 annual Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies were announced for best Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. 'I strongly believe that these awards encourage creative storytelling to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Since 2017, we have been launching these awards together with my esteemed sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I am looking forward to all the entries from young talents for these important awards,' Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added. Details of the Awards: Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase work raising awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create long or short films (drama, documentary, or docudrama) addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs delivering impactful messages on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase work promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Entries for all 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 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.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej congratulates the Winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards- 125 Winners from 36 Countries announced
Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@ Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories 'More Than a Mother' and 'Diabetes and Hypertension'. The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, 'I am truly happy to announce the winners of our Media Awards, together with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign. This year, we are delighted to celebrate 125 outstanding winners from 36 countries. It brings me joy to see such impressive participation not only from across Africa but also from several Asian and Latin American countries. Congratulations to all our incredible winners! It is a true pleasure to welcome you all as Merck Foundation Alumni. Let's continue to work together to raise awareness about critical social and health challenges, be the voice of the voiceless, and create culture shift in our communities.' Merck Foundation Media Awards launched in 2017, are announced annually, with over 640 Winners from 52 countries celebrated to date. The theme of the 'More Than a Mother' Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the 'Diabetes and Hypertension' Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The Merck Foundation CEO also launched the Call for Applications for the 2025 Media Awards. 'I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 – 'More Than a Mother'&'Diabetes and Hypertension', in partnership with the African First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful entries this year as well.' Said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. Winners of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Jennifer Ambolley, The Chronicle, Ghana (First Position) Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, News Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second position) Alao Abiodun, The Nation, Nigeria (Second position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position) Laudia Sawer, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (First Position) Nyima Sillah, The Voice, The Gambia (Second Position) Isatou Ceesay, The Gambia Point, The Gambia (Third Position) Abigail Arthur, Citi Newsroom, Ghana (Third Position) Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNER Mavis Offei Acheampong, GBC Radio, Ghana (First Position) Joyce Kantam Kolamong, GBC Radio, Ghana (Second Position) Zainab Sunkary Koroma, Star Radio, Sierra Leone (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position) Alieu Ceesay, QTV, The Gambia (Second Position) Mona Lisa Frimpong, Joy News, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Precious Kumbani, The Nation, Malawi (First Position) Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position) Simon Muntemba, Daily Nation, Zambia (Second Position) Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position) Silence Mugadzaweta, The Standard, Zimbabwe (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (First Position) Catherine Murombedzi, Freelancer, Zimbabwe (First Position) Alick Ponje, The Times, Malawi (second Position) Wallace Mawire, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Hamu Madzedze, 365 Health Diaries, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Kundai Michael Magoronga, Chronicle, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Mlondi Mkhize, Briefly News, South Africa (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (First Position) Tina Nyirenda, Smooth FM, Zambia (Second Position) Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Nyasha Mandimutsira, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (Third Position) Perina N. Wahara, PL FM, Malawi (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Keneilwe Pono, YTV, Botswana (First Position) Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position) Lame Lucas, YTV, Botswana (Third Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position) Marco Maduhu, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) Margaret Maina, Nation Media, Kenya (Second Position) Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Kamau Maichuhie, Nation Online, Kenya (First Position) Isabella Maua Chemosit, Freelancer, Kenya (Second Position) Anne Robi, Daily News, Tanzania (Second Position) Nteza Michael, UG Standard, Uganda (Third Position) Benjamin Takpiny, Anadolu Agency, South Sudan (Third Position) Ayele Addis Ambelu, Ethiopian Mass Media Action News, Ethiopia (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Caren Waraba Sisya, Radio Citizen, Kenya (First Position) Mamer Abraham Kuot, Voice of America, South Sudan, (Second Position) Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM, Tanzania (Second Position) Fatuma Mustapha Mtemangani, Pambazuko FM, Tanzania (Third Position) Daniel Byiringiro, Flash FM, Rwanda (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Rose Wangui, NTV Kenya, Kenya (First Position) Andrew Juma, TV47, Kenya (Second Position) Leonard Kigozi and Isabel Nakirya, CGTN Africa, Uganda (Third Position) Mackriner Siyovelwa, Crown Media, Tanzania (Third Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Issa Moussa, Niger Times, Niger (First Position) Koami Agbetiafa, Niger Inter Press Group, Niger (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS AZODODASSI Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (First Position) Julio Gada, Global News, Benin (Second Position) Boris Esono Nwenfor, Pan African Visions, Cameroon (Third Position) Bakari Guèye, Initiatives News, Mauritania (Third Position) Frimo Koukou Djipro, Lelus, Côte d'Ivoire (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Remy RUKUNDO, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Magnus MFURANZIMA, ISÔKO FM, Burundi (First Position) Mame Mbagnick DIOUF, Radio Oxyjeunes, Senegal (Second Position) Tanko Worou, Radio SU TII DERA, Benin (Second Position) Moussa KONE, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS Matthias KABUYA TSHILUMBA, RTDK, DRC (First Position) Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Edisângela Tavares, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position) Sheilla Ribeiro, Sociedade, Cabo Verde (Second Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Teresa Monteiro Pinto, Rádio Televisão de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS ngelo Semedo, Deutsche Welle, Cabo Verde (First Position) Merck Foundation "Diabetes&Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2024 Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Agnes Opoku Saprong, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position) Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Muhammed Lamin Touray, Freelancer, The Gambia (First Position) Prince Owusu Asiedu, Adom Online, Ghana (Second Position) Lara Adejoro, The Punch, Nigeria (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Godwin Awuni Anafo, Odadee Radio, Ghana (First Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Emmanuel Dzivenu Seyram Abla De-Souza, Joy TV, Ghana (First Position) Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, Africa Independent Television, Nigeria, (Second Position) Lois Abba Sambo, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria (Third Position) Akua Oforiwa Darko, TV3, Ghana (Third Position) Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot, Botswana (First Position) Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times Group, Malawi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS June Shimuoshili, Unwrap Online, Namibia (First Position) Tendai Chisiri, Sport Way News Net, Zimbabwe (Second Position) Shireen van Wyk, Shay Blogger, Namibia (Third Position) Prince Kurupati, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Elvis Howahowa, Times Radio, Malawi (First Position) Stella Mlotha, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position) Here are the winners from East African Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Lucy Johnbosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position) Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Joan Mbabazi, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position) Leon Lidigu, Nation Online, Kenya (Second Position) Namwalo Daniel Absalom, Kenya News Agency, Kenya (Third Position) Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Digital, Kenya (Third Position) Veronica Mrema, M24 Tanzania, Tanzania (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS Kintu Khalid, Radio Simba, Uganda (First Position) Asha Bekidusa, Bahari FM, Kenya (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position) Edvesta Tarimo, Tumaini Media, Tanzania (Second Position) Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI: PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS Konan N'Guessan Attoumgbre Joseph, La Retraite Active, Côte d'Ivoire (First Position) Nkurunziza Moise, Le Renouveau, Burundi (Second Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal Africa, Burundi (First Position) Abdoulaye Ouédraogo, Queen Mafa, Burkina Faso (Second Position) Richard Manirakiza, l'Agence Burundaise de Presse, Burundi (Second Position) Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (Second Position) Atha Menssan Woffa Assan, Focus Infos, Togo (Third Position) Catherine Aimée Biloa, Échos Santé, Cameroon (Third Position) Nadège Omoladé SANNY, SRTB Online, Benin (Third Position) RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS MVUYEKURE Jean Claude, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Abdoul Razak Sani Oumarou, Radio Saraounia Maradi, Niger (Second Position) Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Radio Télévision de l'éducation (RTEDUC), DRC (Third Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Chris IRAMBONA, Radio Television Buntu, Burundi (First Position) Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries: PRINT CATEGORY WINNER Parikshit Nirbhay, Amar Ujala, India (First Position) Revathi Murugappan, Star Health, Malaysia (Second Position) Pooja Biraia, The Week, India (Third Position) ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Rashe Zoe Sophia B Piquero, Cebu Daily News, Philippines (First Position) Roshan Bhandari, Medicoliterature, Nepal (Second Position) Crystal Chow, Undark Magazine, China (Third Position) Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries: ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS Adriana Becerra, Agencia Brunch, Mexico (First Position) Rafaela Polo, UOL, Brazil (Second Position) MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER Roxana Fabiola Lopresti, Channel 9 Televida, Argentina (First Position) Ana Paula Pedrosa, R7, Brazil (Second Position) Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025: 1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition 'More Than a Mother' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition 'Diabetes&Hypertension' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Latin American Countries Asian Countries Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. All entries are to be submitted 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 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.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Dr. Rasha Kelej drives an impactful change in public health landscape in Africa and beyond by providing 2282 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks 'World Health Day' 2025 in partnership with Africa's First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to improving and revolutionizing healthcare access across Africa, Asia and beyond through their Scholarships and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation shared, 'For over last 13 years, our efforts at Merck Foundation have been to ensure equitable access to healthcare through education, training and awareness initiatives that not only helps transform the patientcare landscape in Africa and Asia but also empower communities and medical professionals. I am proud to share that together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape. We achieve this by providing more than 2282 scholarships to young doctors providers across 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology&Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma&Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity&Weight Management, Women's Health and many more.' As per a WHO, African region has a ratio of only 1.55 health workers including physicians, nurses and midwives per 1000 people*. This is below the WHO threshold density of 4.45 health workers per 1000 people needed to deliver essential health services and achieve universal health coverage. Therefore, the Merck Foundation scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, 'Before the launch of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, many countries—including The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh—had either no or very few specialists in critical fields such as Oncology, Fertility and Reproductive Care, Diabetology, Respiratory Medicine, and Intensive Care. I am proud to share that many of our alumni have become, or are on their way to becoming, the first specialists in their respective countries. We are building a lasting legacy in Africa.' Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as Ministries of Health, Education, Information&Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social&economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. Dr. Kelej shared, 'This year's theme, 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' aligns perfectly with our initiatives to educate young minds on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, as well as diabetes and hypertension awareness. Together with First Ladies of Africa, we have launched two storybooks on these health topics and adapted them into engaging and inspiring animated films'. Watch Sugar Free Jude Animation Film: Watch Mark's Pressure Animation Film: Merck Foundation also launches awards for the best media, film, fashion designs, and songs on these themes to encourage local artists and young talents to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in their communities, through their everyday work. Merck Foundation believes that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is key to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare across Africa. 'I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for our 2025 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors. These include one-year diploma and two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs and Online Diploma programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country,' shared Senator Dr Rasha Kelej. To Apply for In campus Scholarships: To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit: The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and / or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country. The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: 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: 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 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.
Al Bawaba
25-06-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
'Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow': Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women's Day 2025
Merck Foundation ( 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 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 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 716 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 supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential 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.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
'Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow': Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women's Day 2025
Merck Foundation ( 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 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 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 716 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 supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential 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: Episode 11: Episode 14: Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here: 1. Watch, share&subscribe to the ' Girl Can ' song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: 2. Watch, share&subscribe the ' Like Them ' song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: 3. Watch, share&subscribe ' Take me to School ' song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls' education: 4. 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: 5. Watch, share&subscribe ' Brighter day ' song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : Ride into to Future: Jackeline's Rescue: Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: 1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: 2. To read Jackline's Rescue Storybook, pls visit: 3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: 4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: 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.
