First Lady Monica Chakwera and other African First Ladies have commended Merck Foundation for various activities it is implementing in African countries.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia luminary 11th edition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Chakwera, who is also Merck Foundation’s More Than a Mother campaign ambassador, noted that her collaboration with the foundation has enhanced healthcare capacity in Malawi.
She said besides enhancing healthcare capacity through providing scholarships to Malawian doctors to specialise in various fields such as oncology and fertility, the foundation also supports the girl child education through Educating Linda initiative. The programme has so far provided sponsorships to 79 Malawian girls in secondary schools.
Said Chakwera: “As the proud ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign, I remain steadfast in my commitment to empowering infertile and childless women by promoting access to education, information, and a much-needed shift in societal mindsets.
“This campaign is crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding infertility and enabling women to live fulfilling lives, regardless of their ability to bear children.”
On her part, Ghanaian First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo also noted that Ghana is making strides in the healthcare services provision due to Merck Foundation partnership.
On her part, Merck Foundation chief executive officer Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej said since the foundation’s inception in 2012, it has provided about 2 080 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries.
The scholarships bordering on 44 critical and underserved specialties include diabetes, endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, fertility care, embryology, internal medicine, respiratory medicine and critical care, among others.
“This has significantly contributed towards reshaping the public healthcare sector and transforming the patient care landscape in 52 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond,” said Kelej.
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia luminary’s 9th edition was held in Dubai in 2022 before holding its 10th edition in India last year.
