Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej on Meeting the First Lady of Liberia during the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary to Reshape Patient Care Landscape in Liberia
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation recently conducted the 12th Edition of our annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and myself. H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia and the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” at the 12th Africa Asia Luminary. Together, we have provided 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Oncology, Diabetes care, Acute Medicine, Paediatrics, and Dermatology. Many of these doctors have become the first specialists in the public healthcare sector. I am also proud to share that the current Liberia Minister of Health is a Merck Foundation alumnus. This is a true testament of our achievement through the joint programs.
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here:
On the first day of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial paneldiscussion was also held with African Ministers.
On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting:
Together in partnership with The Liberia First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 52 scholarships for local doctors in Liberia in many critical and underserved specialties. We have also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, as a part of which annual scholarships are provided to 40 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education, till they graduate. Additionally, Merck Foundation distributed 3000 essential school items sets to school children to support them.
Moreover, Merck Foundation together with The First Lady of Liberia launched nine children’s storybooks; “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Ray of Hope”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”, to raise awareness about various social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, ending GBV and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Thousands of copies of a few of these storybooks have been distributed to school students of Liberia and many more will be distributed soon.
We havealso announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Liberia for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
View all Call for applications
Apply Online
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 was streamed live across all our social media platforms, enabling thousands of participants from over 70 countries to join our discussions, amplify our impact, and celebrate the spirit of partnership and progress.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
CEO of Merck Foundation
