Nairobi: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is commemorating World Art Day 2025 through its Pan African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community, an initiative led by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. This community is dedicated to raising awareness on pivotal health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa to utilize their creativity for advocacy, education, and fostering cultural shifts within their communities.
According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej, who has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2024, emphasized the significant role that art, fashion, and media play in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health challenges. Dr. Kelej highlighted the launch of Merck Foundation's first-ever pan-African TV program, "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," which addresses pressing issues through the voices of the Fashion and Art with Purpose community. The program, along with other initiatives, focuses on social issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls' education, ending child marriage, and female genital mutilation, as well as health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
"Our Africa by Merck Foundation" is a TV program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej. It features African fashion designers, singers, and experts from various fields to promote awareness and cultural change across Africa. The program has garnered a significant following, resonating with millions of viewers.
In addition to the TV program, Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, announces eight awards annually for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and young African talents. The awards cover themes such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls' education, ending child marriage, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The 2025 editions were announced at the 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in Tanzania in October 2024.
Dr. Kelej stated that Africa's creativity, expressed through art, music, and storytelling, reflects its rich heritage. The awards, launched in partnership with the African First Ladies who serve as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, aim to inspire African youth to leverage their talents in addressing critical social and health issues through creative work.
Entries for the awards can be submitted to [email protected]. Additionally, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs in multiple languages and launched children's storybooks and animation films to raise awareness on important issues at the grassroots level.