MONROVIA, June 4 (LINA) – The CEO of Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, has acknowledged the ‘great sacrifices’ of health workers by singers from 11 African countries in three different languages – French, English and Arabic.
The song is intended to show support for the work healthcare givers are providing during these troubling times in Africa and across the world under the umbrella of her personal initiative, “Connected but Separated.”
In what has now become a global way of showing support and appreciation for health workers around the world during the Coronavirus battle, Merck Foundation CEO started her own idea of creating an inspiration pan-African song called “My White Army” that aims is to thank the doctors and nurses fighting on the frontlines of the coronavirus battle who are risking exposure to the virus so that everyone can stay home and stay healthy.
According to Rasha Kelej, the song is her personal contribution to the COVID-19 response through Merck Foundation and have raced to respond to the coronavirus in Africa in partnership with 18 African first ladies in four main focus areas that include supporting the livelihood of thousands of workers and women during the lockdown, launching the “Stay at Home ” media Recognition Awards, an inspirational children storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitize children and youth about coronavirus and building healthcare capacity through providing online one-year diploma for African doctors in Respiratory medicines and Acute Medicines”.
The 11 singers are: A Pass from Uganda; Cwesi from Ghana; Kambua from Kenya; Mahmoud Al Leithy from Egypt; Nakki from Nigeria; Rozzy from Sierra Leone; Salatiel from Cameroon; Sean K from Namibia; Tom Close from Rwanda and Wezi from Zambia.
She mentioned that although she is not a professional director or producer as everyone knows, she has a different career as CEO of Merck Foundation, but has previous experience in production and presenting TV programs at Abu Dhabi TV.
“I have also produced and directed many documentaries to break stigma around infertile women and to empower women and girls in education in Africa and Asia as part of Merck Foundation programs.
“So, I believe I have the talent and experience needed. most importantly, I have the vision of inclusive Africa, all regions of Africa – North, South, West and East in one work and one initiative that goes across the whole continent and the whole world’.
“I strongly believe it is important for the people on the frontline: doctors, nurses and health workers to know how grateful we are. I don’t want this to be a one-off thank you, but one that becomes a regular act of gratitude across our communities. I have heard stories of horrible behavior against our health workers, such as, landlords are forcefully evicting them due to paranoia that they might spread Covid-19. It is shocking, illegal and inhumane behaviour.”
She added that though the songs representing Africa are expressing love, respect and gratitude to doctors, nurses and health workers, and the frontline of the coronavirus battle, citing that it is a message of support for those braving the outbreak to help others
By Hawa Dolley
Reference: https://liberianewsagency.com/2020/06/05/merck-foundation-ceo-acknowledges-health-workers-in-song-by-11-singers/