Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej engaging African First Ladies during the opening of the conference.<\/strong><\/p>Merck Foundation has commenced the 8th Merck Africa Asia Luminary and African First Ladies High Level Panel with a commitment to build healthcare capacity in more countries.<\/p>
The three-day virtual event which is being co-hosted by the First Lady of Zambia, Esther Lungu and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, creates the platform for partners to meet and discuss strategies and solutions for health challenges with the aim of contributing to an improved access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions including breaking the stigma of infertility.<\/p>
Opening the luminary, Senator Dr. Kelej said Merck Foundation has been working in various countries to build healthcare capacity in many critical and underserved medical fields such as; Diabetes, cardiovascular, endocrinology, Cancer, Research, Fertility Care, Women Health, Sexual & Reproductive care, Respiratory Medicines, and Acute Medicines.<\/p>
\u201cMore than 1100 doctor from 42 countries have benefited from Merck Foundation scholarship in the above fields, and more will join in the next few years to benefit from more scholarships,\u201d she said.<\/p>
Senator Dr. Kelej indicated that the 8th Luminary brings together 13 African First Ladies who are \u2018Merck More Than a Mother\u2019 Ambassadors, to discuss strategies to build healthcare capacity, respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, provide the necessary training to establish a strong platform of experts in many important and critical specialties in their countries in collaboration with their offices and Ministries of Health.<\/p>
\u201cWe will also define interventions to break the stigma around infertility in general and infertile women in specific and to support girl education as Ambassadors of \u201cMerck Foundation More Than a Mother\u201d campaign,\u201d she added.<\/p>
Zambian President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, in his speech said as the population of Africa grows to almost 14 billion, it was important for leaders to focus on building the healthcare capacity and train more providers in various specialities.<\/p>
\u201cIt is gratifying that the critical role of our health workers has been appreciated and re-emphasized during the Covid-19 pandemic\u2026I believe that stronger political commitment, purposeful and strategic partnership are key to improving health outcomes\u2026 As political leaders we are accountable to our people for the decision we make and the results we achieve,\u201d he said.<\/p>
Frist Lady of Zambia, Esther Lungu, was excited to co-host the knowledge sharing platform as Merck Foundation celebrates its 4th Anniversary.<\/p>
She commended her fellow First Ladies of Africa, Merck Foundation for making it possible for participants to gather under the theme \u201cTogether we can make a Difference\u201d and help build healthcare capacity and improve access to equitable health solutions.<\/p>
\u201cIt is my expectation that whatever will be discussed during the next three days, will be accompanied by a monitoring framework so that we can measure progress as we journey on,\u201d she added.<\/p>
First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, highlighting the impact of Merck Foundation in Ghana, said together the two partners were able to launch an inspiring storybook \u201cMake The Right Choice. Stay at Home\u201d and successfully implemented the Stay at home, Media Recognition Awards.<\/p>
\u201cThis helped to raise awareness on how to stay physically and mentally healthy, during these unsettling times. We look forward to the Mask up with care Media Recognition Awards, to continue to sentisize our communities.<\/p>
We are also working with Merck Foundation on the \u2018Educating Linda\u2019 programme and have sponsored twenty high performing girls in their education,\u201d she said.<\/p>
She applauded Merck Foundation for its commitment to supporting healthcare systems, women and girls in Ghana and Africa.<\/p>
\u201cI also commend them for broadening the discussions on infertility by organising competitions in fashion, film and journalism,\u201d Mrs Akufo-Addo added.<\/p>
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri<\/strong><\/p>
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