Kaone Boko showcases MPEPU Programme successes in education, healthcare and child development
Botswana’s First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Kaone Boko, has hailed the growing partnership between her MPEPU Programme and Merck Foundation, describing it as a catalyst for transforming the lives of vulnerable children, strengthening healthcare services and advancing inclusive education across the country.
Speaking during the virtual 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026, Mrs. Boko joined fellow First Ladies from Africa and Asia in sharing progress made through partnerships aimed at improving healthcare, education and social development.
The First Lady used the platform to outline the achievements of the MPEPU Programme, launched in 2025, and to acknowledge the support Botswana has received from Merck Foundation since joining its network of partners.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Frank and Dr. Rasha Kelej for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people across the continent,” said Mrs. Boko.
“As a new member, I am proud to share what we have been doing in Botswana and how we have been working together with Merck Foundation.”
The MPEPU Programme, whose name symbolizes a mother carrying a child on her back, was established to promote the rights, wellbeing, inclusion and development of children, particularly those who are vulnerable and at risk of being left behind.
One of its key priorities is ensuring that children with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn, develop and thrive.
Mrs. Boko revealed that through the partnership with Merck Foundation, Botswana recently received specialised psychometric and diagnostic assessment tools that will strengthen early assessment and intervention services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The equipment has been provided to support efforts to improve disability assessment systems and advance inclusive education in Botswana.
“This donation represents a significant investment in Botswana’s efforts to strengthen disability assessment and inclusive education services,” she said.
“Education is not only about access to classrooms. It is about ensuring that every child is understood, supported and empowered to thrive.”
The First Lady further highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Educating MPEPU Programme, which seeks to remove barriers to learning for disadvantaged children.
Working closely with the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, the programme is continuing support for 20 high-performing girls from underprivileged backgrounds through scholarships and material assistance to ensure they complete their education without interruption.
In addition, plans are underway to revive the distribution of stationery sets to learners across Botswana, helping to improve access to essential learning materials.
Beyond education, Mrs. Boko commended Merck Foundation’s contribution to Botswana’s healthcare sector through specialist training and capacity building.
She revealed that the Foundation has so far awarded 58 scholarships to Botswana healthcare professionals in critical and underserved medical specialties.
These include areas such as diabetes management, oncology, acute medicine and internal medicine, among others.
“These are highly underserved yet critically important fields,” she noted.
“The scholarships are helping us build a stronger healthcare workforce capable of addressing Botswana’s evolving health challenges.”
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of fertility and reproductive healthcare, noting that Botswana has received 13 scholarships in fertility, embryology and sexual and reproductive medicine under Merck Foundation’s flagship “More Than a Mother” initiative.
As the campaign’s ambassador in Botswana, Mrs. Boko said the programme would play a crucial role in expanding access to reproductive healthcare services while addressing the stigma often associated with infertility.
“These scholarships will help us build a strong network of fertility and reproductive health experts across Botswana and strengthen women’s healthcare overall,” she said.
“They will also contribute significantly to our mission of empowering infertile women and supporting couples on their journey towards building happy and fulfilling families.”
She noted that the initiative is particularly important given the country’s limited number of specialised reproductive health professionals.
Mrs. Boko also highlighted a range of community awareness programmes being implemented in partnership with Merck Foundation to address pressing social challenges.
The initiatives focus on issues such as gender-based violence, infertility stigma, child marriage, girls’ education, diabetes and hypertension awareness.
Using innovative communication tools including animation films, media training programmes, music, fashion and film awards, the campaigns seek to promote behavioural change and encourage open dialogue on issues that are often considered taboo.
“I am committed to supporting and continuing these programmes in Botswana to create a cultural shift,” she said.
The First Lady disclosed that Botswana plans to broadcast Merck Foundation’s educational animation films on national television after translating them into Setswana to ensure wider accessibility and impact.
“I was very impressed by the animation films and we plan to air them very soon on our national television,” she said.
“We are currently translating them into our local language so that they can be understood and appreciated by everyone.”
Mrs. Boko concluded by expressing gratitude to Merck Foundation for its support and reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to deepening the partnership.
“Although we are new members, we have already experienced so much support,” she said.
“The people of Botswana are grateful for what Merck Foundation is doing to improve lives, strengthen healthcare and create opportunities for our children.”
Her remarks underscored Botswana’s growing engagement in regional and international partnerships focused on advancing child welfare, inclusive education and healthcare development, while positioning the MPEPU Programme as a key vehicle for delivering lasting social impact across the country.