Dubai, UAE โ The Merck Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, marked 13 years of service in advancing healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. The event gathered First Ladies, dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and media representatives from Africa, Asia, and other regions, underscoring a global commitment to equitable healthcare and social development.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rasha Kelej acknowledged the contributions of the First Ladies in attendance, highlighting their dedication to the Foundationโs objectives.
Some of the First Ladies are: H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Mrs. Maria De Fatima Vila Nova First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Sรฃo Tomรฉ and Prรญncipe, H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Gueta Selemane Chapo First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Mrs. Sajidha Mohamed First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Mrs. Monica Chakwera First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H. First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema First Lady of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera First Lady of Central African Republic, H.E. Dr. Dรฉbora Katisa Carvalho First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E.
Several First Ladies attended for the first time, reflecting the Foundation’s expanding influence and partnerships. The event emphasized both the achievements to date and the persistent challenges in healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
During the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Education Program for First Ladies, Dr. Kelej reported that 2,520 scholarships have been granted since 2012. These scholarships have supported doctors from 52 countries across Africa and South Asia, covering 44 medical specialties.
She commented, โWeโre not just providing scholarships. Weโre building the first-ever wave of oncologists, fertility experts, pediatricians, and mental health specialists in countries that had none before. This is not charity. This is transformation.โ
The Foundationโs support spans various specialties including oncology, diabetes, hypertension, palliative care, neurology, clinical psychiatry, and pain management. These trained doctors primarily serve public health sectors and treat thousands of patients monthly, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes in their countries.
The Girl Child Education Program was also highlighted, with over 1,000 scholarships awarded across 17 countries. The program commits to supporting each girl until the completion of her schooling.
Dr. Kelej emphasized, โThis is not just about classrooms. Itโs about breaking cycles โ early child marriage, poverty, gender-based violence. Education is the antidote.โ
Addressing infertility stigma, a key focus of the Foundation, Dr. Kelej noted its disproportionate impact on women. Through medical training and media advocacy, the Foundation aims to change societal perceptions and improve care for infertility.
She acknowledged the role of health journalists, filmmakers, and fashion designers present at the event as โawareness champions,โ stating:
โThrough your lenses, scripts, and headlines, you enter homes and hearts. You shape cultures. You make the invisible visible.โ
The Health Media Training Program, continuing in Paraguay, equips journalists with accurate medical information and storytelling skills to promote behavioral and cultural change on issues such as child marriage, diabetes, and mental health.
With over 6,000 online participants and more than 8 million social media followers, the Foundationโs reach is significant. Dr. Kelej emphasized that impact is measured by individual stories rather than numbers:
โOur power is not in our platform. Itโs in the lives we change. In the mothers who can hold their babies. In the girls who will become tomorrowโs leaders. In the patients who no longer suffer in silence.โ
Dr. Kelej also recognized Dr. Frank Schneider from Harvard Health for his ongoing academic and advisory support, reinforcing the Foundationโs commitment to combining global expertise with local needs.
With strategic partnerships, data-driven programs, and the support of First Ladies, the Merck Foundation plans to expand its reach in the coming decade. This includes engaging new countries, training additional healthcare professionals, increasing educational opportunities for girls, and fostering cultural change.
The event concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the human element behind policies and statistics.
Dr. Kelej closed with the statement, โLet us not rest until quality healthcare and education are not privileges but rights โ not for the few, but for all.โ
