African First Ladies Join Forces with Merck Foundation to Advance Healthcare and Education

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has convened the 7th Edition of its First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together 13 African First Ladies to strengthen partnerships in healthcare, social development and education.

The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the First Ladies Initiative, alongside H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, who was appointed Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign.

Also in attendance were the First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr Rasha Kelej highlighted the Foundation’s achievements in Senegal:
“We are delighted to welcome H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye as an Ambassador of our campaign. So far, we have provided 25 scholarships for Senegalese doctors in underserved specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility and Embryology, and we will be enrolling more doctors in the future.” 

 The 25 scholarships for Senegalese doctors include:

• 8 in Oncology, to ensure access to quality cancer care.
• 7 in Fertility and Embryology, and Sexual & Reproductive Care, helping advance women’s health and fertility treatment.
• 10 in Diabetes Mastercourse, equipping doctors to treat patients and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles.

First Lady Marie Khone Faye praised the partnership: “It is an honour to be appointed Ambassador of More Than a Mother. Through these scholarships and the Diabetes Mastercourse delivered in French, our doctors can better serve our people. I am also proud to launch the Educating Linda programme to support girls’ education, which is essential for building stronger nations.”  

Across 52 countries, Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,280 scholarships in 44 critical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, diabetes, reproductive health and more.

The summit also featured a committee meeting between the First Ladies, the Foundation Chairman and CEO, where they reviewed impact reports and discussed strategies for expanding programmes.

In Senegal, discussions between Senator Dr Rasha Kelej and First Lady Marie Khone Faye focused on building healthcare and media capacity to improve patient care and address social health issues.

Merck Foundation also announced eight award categories for journalists, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, students and emerging talents in partnership with the First Lady of Senegal.

Additionally, seven children’s storybooks — including More Than a Mother, Educating Linda, Jackline’s Rescue, Not Who You Are, Ride into the Future, Sugar Free Jude and Mark’s Pressure — were launched in French to address issues such as infertility stigma, gender-based violence, diabetes, hypertension and girl education.

The Foundation continues to leverage arts and media for social impact, having trained over 3,700 journalists from 35 countries, produced 30 songs and 8 storybooks, and launched 7 animated films in five languages. Its Pan-African TV programme Our Africa by Merck Foundation also continues to address health and social issues through Fashion and Art with Purpose.

To date, Merck Foundation has also provided 950 scholarships to high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls across Africa, empowering them to complete their education.

Merck Foundation maintains 15 social media channels with a combined following of more than 8 million, using digital platforms to amplify awareness on healthcare, women’s empowerment and education.

The 7th MFFLI Summit was live-streamed on the social media platforms of both Merck Foundation and Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, reaching audiences across Africa and beyond.