Merck Foundation Partners with Nigeria First Lady to Transform Patient Care and Empower Communities
The Merck Foundation, philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has launched a major healthcare and social impact partnership with Nigeria through a high-level meeting between its Chairman Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, CEO Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, and H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The meeting marked the official launch of joint programs focused on improving healthcare delivery, advancing girl education, and breaking the stigma around infertility. As a key step, the First Lady was appointed as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” initiative, reinforcing her commitment to social health reform.
Dr. Kelej highlighted the Foundation’s deepening impact in Nigeria: “We are honored to begin this long-term partnership. So far, we’ve awarded 63 scholarships to Nigerian doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties, and we will continue investing in medical education and social change.”
The “Educating Linda” program has also reached a new milestone in Nigeria by sponsoring the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls, helping bridge gender gaps in education.
In addition to boosting clinical expertise in areas like diabetes, oncology, fertility, and critical care, Merck Foundation has trained local journalists through its Online Health Media Training. This initiative seeks to create a cultural shift around sensitive issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and infertility stigma.
Further cementing their grassroots engagement, the Foundation, in collaboration with the First Lady, unveiled the 2025 editions of its eight creative awards, calling on Nigerian media professionals, filmmakers, fashion designers, musicians, and students to submit entries promoting awareness on social health topics.
“Our collaboration with the First Lady of Nigeria symbolizes a new chapter in our mission. When we empower doctors, support girls, and shift mindsets through the arts and media, we create real, lasting change,” added Prof. Dr. Stangenberg Haverkamp.
Merck Foundation encourages all eligible Nigerians to participate in the upcoming awards by submitting entries by September 30 (for “More Than a Mother” themes) and October 30 (for Diabetes & Hypertension awareness) to submit@merck-foundation.com.
