Merck Foundation Expands Medical Training and Girls’ Education Across Africa

The Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, convened the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Abuja, bringing together Nigeria’s First Lady, H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and 13 First Ladies of Africa to chart strategies for reshaping patient care and advancing girls’ education across Africa and beyond.

The high-level summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees; Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of MFFLI; and H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, who was recently appointed as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” Campaign.

First Ladies from Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe joined discussions, which centred on healthcare capacity building, breaking infertility stigma, and empowering women and girls through education. 

During the summit, Merck Foundation confirmed 63 scholarships for Nigerian doctors across critical and underserved medical fields, aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure:

• 8 scholarships in fertility, embryology, and reproductive care, including one-year diplomas and two-year master’s programmes in women’s health.
• 39 scholarships in oncology, endocrinology, preventative cardiovascular care, cardiology, and obesity management under the Diabetes Blue Points Programme, enabling doctors to establish diabetes and hypertension clinics nationwide.
• 16 scholarships in acute medicine, respiratory care, dermatology, rheumatology, critical care, psychiatry, geriatric care, and pain management.

In total, Merck Foundation has awarded 2,280 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in more than 44 underserved specialties, contributing to the transformation of healthcare systems across Africa and Asia.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej noted: “Together with Nigeria’s First Lady and our partners, we are reshaping patient care by training local doctors and addressing stigma around infertility. These scholarships empower medical professionals to build resilient healthcare systems.” 

As part of her commitment as Ambassador of “More Than a Mother”, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu highlighted her office’s support for Merck Foundation’s “Educating Linda” programme, which is currently sponsoring the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged Nigerian girls until graduation.

She said: “I firmly believe education is a cornerstone of empowerment. By educating girls, we are building stronger, healthier nations. I value this partnership with Merck Foundation, which is expanding opportunities for girls and strengthening our healthcare system.” 

Beyond healthcare, Merck Foundation announced the launch of seven children’s storybooks in partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria. These books tackle key social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, ending gender-based violence (GBV), promoting girl education, and raising awareness of diabetes and hypertension.

Additionally, Merck Foundation called for applications for its eight annual awards, which recognise excellence in journalism, fashion, music, film, and student talent, aimed at promoting awareness and cultural change on social and health issues.

Over the years, Merck Foundation has:

• Trained 3,700+ media professionals from 35 countries.
• Produced 30+ songs and 7 animated films tackling health and social issues.
• Published 8 children’s storybooks in English, French, and Portuguese.
• Supported 950+ underprivileged schoolgirls across Africa with scholarships.
• Launched the Pan-African TV programme “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, which addresses health and social issues through fashion and art. 

On the second day of the summit, a MFFLI committee meeting gathered African and Asian First Ladies, alongside Merck Foundation leadership, to review progress and shape future strategies.

“Merck Foundation is not only providing scholarships but also driving a cultural shift. By investing in healthcare, media, arts, and education, we are building an ecosystem that tackles stigma, empowers women, and ensures everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilled life,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The 7th Edition of MFFLI was streamed live on Merck Foundation’s and Dr. Rasha Kelej’s social media platforms, reaching millions across the globe.