Merck Foundation Empowers African Media to Tackle Infertility Stigma and Promote Girl Education at 7th MFFLI Summit in Abuja
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has successfully concluded the 7th edition of its Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The high-level event brought together African and Asian First Ladies, alongside Merck Foundation CEO Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, to strengthen advocacy on health and social challenges impacting communities across the continent.
A key feature of the summit was the Merck Foundation Health Media Training, which was held on the second day. This specialized session empowered African journalists with knowledge and tools to influence cultural transformation on issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The training also emphasized media’s role in promoting the early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
“Media has the power to shape mindsets and drive real societal change. Through their reporting, journalists can create a cultural shift on issues that matter most to our communities,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of the MFFLI Summit.
Since its inception in 2017, Merck Foundation’s Health Media Training has reached over 3,700 media professionals across 35 African countries. This initiative is part of the foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, which focuses on breaking the stigma around infertility and empowering women through education and awareness.
The two-day summit also commemorated Merck Foundation’s 8th anniversary and 13 years of impactful development programs across Africa and Asia. The first day featured plenary sessions and high-level discussions with First Ladies, ministers, and health leaders, focusing on inclusive healthcare systems, educational access, and women’s empowerment.
The second day focused on medical and scientific sessions covering key areas such as oncology, diabetes, and hypertension, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
During the event, Merck Foundation also launched its 2025 Awards to recognize and inspire innovative advocacy through media, art, and fashion. The award categories include the Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother,” and Media, Film, Fashion, and Song Awards focused on both “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension” themes. These awards aim to encourage impactful storytelling that raises awareness and sparks action.
The deadline for submitting entries for the “More Than a Mother” categories is September 30, 2025, while the deadline for “Diabetes & Hypertension” categories is October 30, 2025. Entries should be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.
“These awards are more than recognition; they are tools to shift cultural conversations and inspire lasting change,” noted Dr. Kelej.
The Merck Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing equitable healthcare, empowering women and youth through education, and promoting cultural transformation in Africa and beyond. The foundation continues to operate with political neutrality and in collaboration with governments, media, civil society, and local communities.
