The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, First Lady of Cabo Verde and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother,” to strengthen healthcare capacity in the country. The agreement was finalized during the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.
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Empowering Women Leaders and Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, stated, “This MoU reinforces our long-term partnership with Cabo Verde to provide scholarships for young doctors in Oncology and Fertility. We also launched the Educating Linda program, awarding scholarships to 42 students nationwide to complete their education and unlock their potential.”
The collaboration emphasizes empowering women leaders in healthcare and ensuring that education and professional opportunities are accessible to underrepresented groups.
Expanding Healthcare Projects in Cabo Verde
H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO confirmed that the partnership has already initiated the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program for doctors, enrolling them in Oncology and Fertility Training. Together, they are developing strategies to enhance healthcare and media capacity in Cabo Verde, addressing critical social and health issues.
Merck Foundation and the Office of the First Lady have also conducted two editions of Online Health Media Training, highlighting the crucial role of media in raising awareness about health and social challenges.
Transforming Healthcare Capacity Across Africa
Since 2012, Merck Foundation has provided over 2,400 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. Cabo Verde will soon benefit from expanded enrollment in medical specialties in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, Merck Foundation has launched seven children’s storybooks in Portuguese, covering issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension awareness.
Celebrating Achievements and Future Initiatives
The Foundation also announced calls for applications for eight annual awards in partnership with the First Lady of Cabo Verde, targeting media professionals, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. These initiatives highlight Merck Foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable healthcare projects in Cabo Verde while raising public awareness on health and social issues.
Merck Foundation continues to provide training for media personnel, launch awareness campaigns, and empower underprivileged students, contributing to a culture shift and breaking silence around critical issues in Africa and underserved communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
