By Ebere Agozie
The Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Dr Rasha Kelej says its Foundation’s Medical scholarships to 1470 young doctors from 50 countries will contribute to Africa and Asia’s health revolution.
Kelej, a member of the Egyptian Senate said this at the two day hybrid 9th edition conference of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2022.
“These scholarships are for one-year, two-years, and three-years Diploma and Master Degree in more than 32 critical and underserved specialties.
“I am very proud that out of these, over 650 are female medical graduates. This is close to 50 per cent of the total beneficiaries, which is a great milestone for us”.
Kelej, who has featured in the list of 100 Most Influential African Women for the 4th consecutive year said she is inspired by the awards to do more.
She said that she has been working with past and present African first Ladies to break the silence on a wide range of critical and sensitive social and health issues across the globe.
“Our innovative and unique initiatives support girl education, breaking infertility stigmatisation, stopping gender based violence, ending child marriage and empowering women at all levels.
“The commitment is towards building healthcare capacity, transforming the patient care landscape with special focus on women’s health, and empowering women and girls so that they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.
“I promise to continue to empower women, support girl education and improve access to quality and equitable healthcare in Africa, Asia and beyond.
“I am proud to be doing this in partnership with these African First Ladies as Ambassadors of ‘More Than a Mother’ Campaign”.
The Senator said that through the ‘Educating Linda’ program in partnership with the first ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, she has contributed to the future of thousands of girls by providing scholarships and essential school items for them.
“I strongly believe that an educated girl will lead a healthy life, save lives, build a stronger family, earn a better income, make informed choices, empower her community, and lift her country while reducing inequalities.
“The aim is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)”.
Merck Foundation is at the forefront in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities.
She has launched 8 children’s storybooks in three languages; English, French, and Portuguese, to educate and sensitize children about important issues from a young age.
The aim is to raise awareness about the critical social and health issues of the continent.
She has trained more than 2200 media persons in more than 35 countries, and also launches annually, 8 different Awards for best media coverage, fashion designs, films, and songs.
Prof. Frank Stangenberg- Haverkampa, the Chairman of both the Executive Board of Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees thanked all partners who stood by them all through the 10 years journey of Patient Care Landscape Transformation & Healthcare Capacity In Africa & beyond.
He said that the gathering will help stakeholders share their success stories and as well proffer solutions to some of the challenges most of them face.
“This event is to discuss challenges, define solutions, measure impact and share experience to ensure continuous improvement and exchange variable aspects of different cultures in order to localize and standardize specific messages that can raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
” We will continue to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions”, the Prof said.
The conference was attended by African First Ladies from 15 countries, Ministers of Health, Education, Information & Communication, the Academia, Research Institutions, Media, and the Art.
Highlight of the event was announcement of the MARS Awards to appreciate and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’.
