Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady Lead Continental Push to Transform Healthcare and Address Social Challenges
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has joined forces with the First Lady of Kenya and 13 other African First Ladies to scale up healthcare capacity and address critical social and health challenges across the continent.
The collaboration was highlighted at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025, inaugurated in Nairobi by Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees; Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of the MFFLI; and H.E. Mrs Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign.
Other First Ladies in attendance represented Angola, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal and Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the Summit, Dr Rasha Kelej revealed that 244 scholarships have been awarded to Kenyan doctors in critical and underserved specialties, with nearly half going to women. The scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines including oncology, fertility and embryology, diabetes, endocrinology, cardiology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, psychiatry, respiratory medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, neonatal medicine, urology, rheumatology, critical care and pain management.
“These investments are transforming the healthcare landscape, ensuring that Kenyan doctors are equipped to deliver high-quality, specialised care,” said Dr Kelej. “We are proud that 50 per cent of the scholarships are for women – a milestone in advancing gender equity in the medical profession.”
H.E. Mrs Rachel Ruto commended the partnership, stating: “Together with Merck Foundation, we are strengthening and transforming our healthcare landscape. These 244 scholarships will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of care in our country. Additionally, through the Educating Linda programme, we are supporting 47 underprivileged yet high-performing girls to complete their education – an investment in the future of our nation.”
Since 2012, Merck Foundation has provided over 2,280 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in more than 44 medical specialties. Many alumni have gone on to establish specialist clinics and spearhead awareness campaigns on prevention and early detection of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
On the second day of the Summit, the MFFLI committee meeting brought together African and Asian First Ladies with Merck Foundation leadership to review the impact of existing programmes and chart future strategies.
The Foundation’s initiatives go beyond capacity-building, tackling social issues such as infertility stigma, gender-based violence, and education for girls. In partnership with the First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has launched seven children’s storybooks – including More Than a Mother, Educating Linda, and Sugar-Free Jude – which address themes from reproductive health to diabetes awareness. These will soon be published in Swahili.
The Foundation has also trained over 3,700 media professionals from 35 countries to enhance reporting on health and social issues, produced eight awareness films in five languages, supported 30 purpose-driven songs by African artists, and launched eight annual awards for journalists, filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, and students.
Dr Kelej noted that the initiatives reflect Merck Foundation’s broader commitment to changing healthcare systems and mindsets across Africa: “We have always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity, and we will continue to expand these efforts in Kenya, Africa and beyond. Together with our First Lady partners, we are breaking taboos, building skills and transforming lives.”
With a strong digital presence – 15 social media channels and more than 8 million followers – Merck Foundation continues to amplify its advocacy through its Pan-African TV programme “Our Africa”, which promotes “Fashion and Art with Purpose” to spark dialogue on social and health issues.
As the Summit concluded, stakeholders underscored the need for sustained collaboration between governments, foundations and communities to drive a new era of accessible, equitable healthcare and inclusive social development across the continent.
