Merck Foundation Expands Healthcare, Education & Equality Initiatives in Mauritius

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has reinforced its long-term commitment to Mauritius by announcing new initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare, empowering women, supporting girl education, and addressing pressing social issues.

During her visit, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, held high-level meetings with Hon. Ms Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and H.E. Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius.

Dr Kelej presented the impact of the Foundation’s extensive programmes since 2017, which include building healthcare and media capacity, empowering women in STEM, supporting girl education, and raising awareness about social and health issues across the country.

“It was a great honour to meet the Honourable Minister and share with her the impact of our partnership. Together we are transforming patient care, empowering women and young people, and tackling stigma and inequality,” said Dr Kelej. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Merck Foundation launched the Educating Linda programme in Mauritius. As part of this initiative, the Foundation will support the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls until graduation, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Merck Foundation has so far awarded 100 scholarships to Mauritian doctors across 42 critical and underserved specialties, including oncology, fertility care, paediatrics, endocrinology, acute medicine, psychiatry, ophthalmology, dermatology, and critical care.

In her meeting with President Gokhool, Dr Kelej announced the Foundation’s commitment to exploring specialised training for Mauritian doctors in cutting-edge fields such as stem cell therapy, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in radiology, robotic surgical oncology, neurology, nephrology, and neurosurgery.

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

Globally, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,280 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties, with many becoming the first specialists in their fields. 

The Foundation also conducted the 4th Edition of its Health Media Training for Mauritian journalists, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. The training focused on the role of media in shaping cultural attitudes and creating awareness on key issues, including:

• Breaking infertility stigma
• Supporting girl education
• Women empowerment
• Ending child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Stopping gender-based violence (GBV)
• Raising awareness on diabetes and hypertension

The session was co-chaired by Dr Kelej and the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. 

At the event, the Foundation launched a call for entries for its 2025 awards in partnership with Mauritian institutions, across eight categories:

• Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – For journalists and media students raising awareness on infertility stigma, girl education, women empowerment, child marriage, FGM, and GBV. Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – For African fashion designers creating messages on the same themes. Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – For African filmmakers producing impactful dramas, documentaries, or docudramas. Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – For African singers and musicians creating music to address social issues. Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – For journalists raising awareness on healthy lifestyles, prevention and early detection. Deadline: 30 October 2025
• Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – For fashion students and designers delivering messages on healthy living. Deadline: 30 October 2025
• Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – For filmmakers tackling health issues through impactful storytelling. Deadline: 30 October 2025
• Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension” – For musicians producing songs promoting healthy lifestyles. Deadline: 30 October 2025

Entries should be submitted to: submit@merck-foundation.com
More information is available at: www.Merck-Foundation.com 

Dr Kelej reaffirmed Merck Foundation’s pledge to continue working closely with Mauritian ministries and stakeholders to build stronger healthcare systems, promote education and gender equality, and address urgent social and health challenges.

“Our mission is to create a cultural shift, not only in Mauritius but across Africa, where women and girls can thrive, doctors are empowered with knowledge, and stigma has no place,” she concluded.