Merck Foundation Empowers African Creatives to Drive Social and Health Transformation
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is empowering African artists and creatives to tackle pressing social and health issues through its Pan-African ‘Art and Fashion with Purpose’ community. Led by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, the initiative marked World Art Day 2025 by celebrating creativity as a tool for advocacy, education, and cultural transformation.
Dr. Kelej highlighted that art, fashion, and media can raise awareness on issues such as infertility stigma, girls’ education, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, and public health concerns including diabetes and hypertension. “Art and fashion go far beyond aesthetics, they are powerful instruments for education and advocacy,” she stated.
Central to the initiative is the pan-African TV programme Our Africa by Merck Foundation, conceptualised, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej. The programme features African fashion designers, musicians, and experts, reaching millions across the continent via leading broadcasters including KTN Home (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), and more. The show is also available online through Merck Foundation and Dr. Kelej’s social media channels.
Beyond the TV programme, the foundation annually presents eight awards for media professionals, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and emerging African talent. The awards recognise work that addresses social challenges, such as breaking infertility stigma and promoting girls’ education, and health issues, including diabetes and hypertension awareness.
The foundation has also produced over 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local African languages, alongside eight children’s storybooks, which have been adapted into animated films to reach communities at the grassroots level. These initiatives aim to instil positive change and inspire youth to use creativity as a force for social and health advocacy.
Dr. Kelej emphasised Africa’s rich cultural heritage as a catalyst for change. “Through our awards and creative platforms, we encourage young Africans to leverage their talents to educate, advocate, and drive meaningful transformation in society,” she said.
For more information and to access the Merck Foundation songs, storybooks, and animation films, visit:
https://apo-opa.co/47JD4P2
https://apo-opa.co/4mzhpgY
