African First Ladies Join Forces at Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 in The Gambia

The 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was inaugurated in Banjul, The Gambia, bringing together African First Ladies, policymakers, and health experts to advance healthcare capacity, social development, and gender empowerment across Africa and Asia.

The prestigious conference was co-chaired by Her Excellency Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, alongside Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation. The event was officially opened by Mr. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, and Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.

Seven African First Ladies attended as Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers, including:

• H.E. Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi
• H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadéra, First Lady of the Central African Republic
• H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia
• H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe
• H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of Senegal

The two-day hybrid conference, held from 14–15 October, attracted more than 6,000 healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, and media representatives from over 70 countries. Participants joined in person and online to engage in three scientific and social sessions focusing on improving healthcare delivery and awareness across 44 critical and underserved medical specialities. 

Speaking during the inauguration, Vice President Jallow commended the strong partnership between the Merck Foundation and The Gambia’s First Lady, noting their collaboration since 2017 has enhanced healthcare, education, and empowerment initiatives in the country.

Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting that the Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships to Gambian doctors in over 30 critical fields, helping transform The Gambia’s healthcare system and produce the nation’s first specialists in several disciplines.

Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasised the significance of the Luminary, saying: “This platform allows us to share success stories and expand our impact across Africa and Asia. Together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies, we are shaping a future where quality healthcare and social equity are accessible to all.” 

The 2025 Luminary also celebrated 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development journey, which began in 2012. Over this period, the Foundation has:

• Awarded more than 2,400 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 44 medical specialities.
• Trained over 3,700 media professionals from more than 35 countries to promote awareness on health and social issues.
• Supported 950 high-performing but underprivileged African schoolgirls to complete their education.
• Produced 30 awareness songs, 8 children’s storybooks, and 7 animation films addressing issues such as diabetes, hypertension, gender-based violence, child marriage, and infertility stigma.
• Launched 8 annual awards for excellence in media, fashion, film, and music.

Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp commended the commitment of African leaders and partners, saying: “Together with First Ladies, governments, and experts, we are working to ensure that everyone can lead a healthy and happy life. This collaboration reflects our vision of health equity and community empowerment.”

The event also featured ministerial panels and scientific sessions on diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and emergency care, and paediatric medicine. A dedicated Health Media Training was held to strengthen the role of journalists in driving cultural change and raising awareness on key public health and social issues.

Countries represented in person included Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, with virtual participation from over 50 other nations across Africa, Asia, and beyond.