Merck Foundation Awards 716 Fertility Care Scholarships Across Africa and Asia
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marked World Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Day 2025 by awarding 716 scholarships in embryology, fertility, and reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. This milestone reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving access to quality fertility services and addressing infertility stigma.
The scholarships are part of the Foundation’s flagship initiative, “More Than a Mother,” which seeks to build local healthcare capacity and shift perceptions around infertility. Of the total scholarships, 324 were dedicated to clinical and hands-on training for fertility specialists and embryologists, while 392 supported postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in areas including reproductive medicine, women’s health, urology, family medicine, and assisted reproductive biotechnology.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, noted that many of the recipients are the first local experts in their countries. These include The Gambia, Burundi, Chad, Guinea, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Congo. The Foundation has also supported staff training for the first public IVF centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 180 million couples in developing countries face infertility, with women often bearing the blame. In many African and Asian societies, this leads to social isolation, violence, and discrimination. To challenge these norms, Merck Foundation has launched a wide range of awareness and empowerment programs under the “More Than a Mother” umbrella.
The Foundation released an animated film that educates viewers on infertility, male infertility, and prevention. It also published a children’s storybook promoting family values and respect for women, available in English, French, and Portuguese and localized for different countries. These resources are designed to encourage empathy and reduce stigma from an early age.
The Foundation’s TV program “Our Africa,” conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, features African fashion designers, musicians, and experts discussing key social issues, including infertility. Over 30 original songs have also been released as part of the campaign, featuring artists from Zambia, Ghana, Burundi, and The Gambia, using music as a tool to raise awareness.
Through the “Empowering Berna” initiative, Merck Foundation also provides skills training and support for infertile women to help them start small businesses and rebuild their lives. This project has changed the lives of many women in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Niger, and Malawi.
In addition to medical and social support, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3,700 journalists from over 35 countries to sensitively report on infertility and reproductive health. These efforts are creating a more informed public and encouraging inclusive healthcare policies.
To inspire further creative advocacy, Merck Foundation invites media professionals, artists, fashion designers, musicians, filmmakers, and students to participate in its “More Than a Mother” Awards. Submissions can be sent to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Merck Foundation has now awarded a total of 2,280 scholarships across 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties, making a significant impact on healthcare systems in underserved regions.
Watch the episodes here:
Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I
Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz
Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx
Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:
- Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
- Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
- Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
- Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx
Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:
“To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
