Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, successfully hosted the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 in The Gambia. The conference highlighted the growing impact of merck foundation asia health initiatives and africa luminary first ladies initiatives, advancing healthcare capacity and women’s empowerment across the continent.
The event was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother.” Distinguished guests included H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of Senegal, and the First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Expanding Education and Healthcare Scholarships
The First Lady of Senegal, H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, shared that through partnership with Merck Foundation, the “Educating Linda” program now provides annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged schoolgirls. In addition, empowerment women health africa programs have enabled the training of 29 Senegalese doctors in critical specialties such as oncology, fertility, embryology, and diabetes.
Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her pride in deepening collaboration with Senegal and other African nations:
“We are committed to transforming public healthcare and raising awareness about vital social health issues through our partnerships and Merck Foundation Asia Health Initiatives.”
Strengthening African Healthcare Capacity
During the conference’s ministerial panel and First Ladies’ high-level sessions, leaders discussed strategies to boost scientific research and empower women in STEM fields. Merck Foundation’s Africa Luminary First Ladies Initiatives continue to serve as a platform for driving women’s health, education, and leadership.
In Senegal, 8 scholarships have been provided in oncology, 11 in fertility and reproductive care, and 10 in diabetes management—supporting equitable and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Cultural Change Through Media and Art
Merck Foundation also launched new community programs in collaboration with the First Lady of Senegal to promote awareness on women’s empowerment, girl education, gender-based violence (GBV), and health challenges like diabetes and hypertension. Online Health Media Training was held to encourage journalists to “be the voice of the voiceless” and foster cultural transformation.
To further its mission, Merck Foundation introduced new children’s storybooks in French, including “More Than a Mother,” “Educating Linda,” “Jackline’s Rescue,” and “Sugar Free Jude,” aimed at building empathy and awareness among young readers.
Merck Foundation’s Global Impact
Since 2012, Merck Foundation has provided over 2,400 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 underserved specialties, impacting thousands of lives. Over 3,700 media professionals have been trained to advocate for social and health issues. The foundation’s empowerment women health africa initiatives are driving a cultural shift by combining art, education, and healthcare advocacy.
The Foundation continues to honor excellence through eight annual awards for journalists, musicians, designers, filmmakers, and students who creatively address issues such as women empowerment and healthcare access.
Driving Forward a Shared Vision
“Our mission is to empower Africa through science, education, and innovation. These partnerships with First Ladies will keep transforming communities across the continent,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Follow Merck Foundation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Travel booking: https://travel.afrikeye.com/
This story was first reported by APO Group. Read the full article here.
