Banjul: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently hosted the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul. The event was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, The First Lady of Gambia, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The conference welcomed H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, along with First Ladies from Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, So Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her pleasure in meeting with H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, highlighting the achievement of providing 52 scholarships to young Liberian doctors in various medical fields. These scholarships have enabled many doctors to become the first specialists in the public healthcare sector in Liberia. Dr. Kelej also noted that the current Liberia Minister of Health is a Merck Foundati
on alumnus, showcasing the success of their collaborative programs.
H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai emphasized her honor in being appointed Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and celebrated the joint achievements with Merck Foundation, including scholarships for local doctors and healthcare providers in critical specialties. The Educating Linda program was also highlighted, which provides scholarships for 40 high-performing girls annually, contributing to educational advancement in Liberia.
The conference featured a plenary session with keynote speeches from African First Ladies and a high-level ministerial panel discussion. On the second day, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee meeting took place, where the First Ladies shared impact reports and discussed future strategies.
Merck Foundation, in partnership with the Liberia First Lady, has provided scholarships in various specialties, including Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes care. The initiative aims to promo
te healthcare capacity and address stigma in Liberia. Additionally, the Educating Linda Program offers annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls, and 3000 school items have been distributed to support education.
Furthermore, Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Liberia launched nine children’s storybooks to raise awareness about social issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Thousands of copies have been distributed to Liberian students, with more planned for distribution.
Merck Foundation also announced the call for applications for eight awards in partnership with the First Lady of Liberia, targeting media, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, and students. The conference was streamed live on Merck Foundation’s social media platforms and Dr. Rasha Kelej’s accounts, allowing wider access to the discussions and initiatives presented at the event.