Merck Foundation Partners with Mauritius to Train Journalists, Empower Girls, and Strengthen Healthcare

The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has deepened its impact in Mauritius by conducting its fourth Health Media Training for local journalists in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. The event was co-chaired by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and Hon. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare.

The session aimed to equip Mauritian journalists from print, TV, radio, and digital platforms with the knowledge and tools to report effectively on key health and social issues including infertility stigma, gender-based violence (GBV), girl education, and the prevention of diabetes and hypertension.

“Media enters every home without invitation. Journalists have the power to drive cultural change by breaking silence on critical issues,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign. 

During her visit, Dr. Kelej held high-level meetings with H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, and Minister Navarre-Marie. These engagements highlighted Merck Foundation’s ongoing impact in the country through its flagship health and education programs.

Dr. Kelej shared that since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided 100 scholarships to Mauritian doctors in 42 under-served specialties, including oncology, diabetes, endocrinology, fertility, psychiatry, and pediatric emergency medicine. The initiative is part of a broader partnership with the Ministry of Health aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

“We are committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions across Mauritius,” she said. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Merck Foundation also launched its Educating Linda program in Mauritius. The initiative will sponsor the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls until they graduate, with the aim of empowering them to achieve their full potential.

“This program is about long-term transformation by investing in girls’ education, which remains one of the most powerful tools for development,” added Dr. Kelej. 

As part of the training event, Merck Foundation launched calls for entries to eight prestigious award categories aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions from journalists, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and students across Africa. The themes include:

• “More Than a Mother” Awards (Deadline: 30th September 2025): Focused on infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, FGM, GBV, and women empowerment.
• “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards (Deadline: 30th October 2025): Aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and early detection of non-communicable diseases.

Submissions can be made to submit@merck-foundation.com, and more information is available on the foundation’s website: www.Merck-Foundation.com