{"id":6226,"date":"2022-12-20T19:02:55","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T15:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=6226"},"modified":"2022-12-20T19:03:16","modified_gmt":"2022-12-20T15:03:16","slug":"merck-foundation-calls-for-action-together-with-13-african-first-ladies-to-build-healthcare-capacity-break-infertility-stigma-and-support-girl-education-during-their-9th-africa-asia-luminary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=6226","title":{"rendered":"Merck Foundation calls for action together with 13 African First Ladies to Build Healthcare Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Support Girl Education during their 9th Africa Asia Luminary"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022 Overview\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5m4k9Z_M7tg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and African First Ladies of Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia,&nbsp; Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Angola and Central Africa Inaugurate 9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2022<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+%282%29%281%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><p><br><em><strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp with African First Ladies during the 9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>African First Ladies marked together the 5th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 10 year journey of their development programs&nbsp; by sharing the impact of their partnership programs with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, support girl education and break infertility stigma.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>More than 10,000 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, academia and media representatives from 70 English, French, Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries attended the hybrid Luminary &#8211; onsite and online to benefit from scientific and social sessions to address social issues and advance healthcare capacity in 32 critical and underserved medical specialties.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Merck Foundation reported the impact of providing 1470 scholarships to doctors from 50 countries in 32 critical and underserved specialties such as; Oncology, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive, Endocrinology, Fertility, Embryology, Reproductive Care, Respiratory Care, Acute and Intensive Care, Neonatal Care, Pediatric Emergency, Advanced Surgery, Microbiology &amp; Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Palliative Care and Pain Management and more.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Link to the Facebook live steam of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary &amp; African First Ladies High Level Panel:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KelejRasha\/videos\/1578702445903102\"><strong>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KelejRasha\/videos\/1578702445903102<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=1%2834%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><p><strong>Merck Foundation<\/strong>, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted their annual conference, the&nbsp;<strong>9th Edition of \u201cMerck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>15th &amp; 16th November 2022<\/strong>, as a hybrid conference (onsite and online). The conference was inaugurated by&nbsp;<strong>Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong>, along with&nbsp;<strong>African First Ladies of 13 Countries<\/strong>;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+%2810%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI,\u00a0The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERR\u00c3O NYUSI,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Namibia<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOUREN\u00c7O,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Angola<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA,\u00a0The First Lady of Central Africa<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej speech @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oXXpDGh6OKw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej\u00a0Merck Foundation CEO\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej<\/strong>\u00a0emphasized, \u201cI am very proud to welcome my dear sisters, our\u00a0<strong>Guests of Honor<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Keynote Speakers<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>the First Ladies of 13 African Countries<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation \u201cMore Than a Mother\u201d<\/strong>. We are together celebrating the\u00a0<strong>5th Anniversary of Merck Foundation<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>10th Anniversary of our programs since 2012<\/strong>\u00a0which aim to build healthcare &amp; media capacity and raise awareness on a wide range of sensitive and critical social and health issues like Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Stopping GBV, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending FGM, Women Empowerment, and Diabetes Awareness.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg - Haverkamp speech @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3U40IlN-0Ag?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>Watch Video &#8211;\u00a0Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p>\u201cI am proud that Merck Foundation has provided till today, more than\u00a0<strong>1470 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries in 32 critical and underserved specialties<\/strong>. This is a great milestone of transforming patient care landscape and leading Africa to a better, healthier and stronger future. I am happy to hear from my dear sisters their experiences and success stories\u00a0 in their respective countries, together we will be an important part of Africa\u2019s legacy.\u201d added\u00a0<strong>Senator Kelej<\/strong>.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Botswana First Lady, H.E. NEO MASISI speech @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary \u2013 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NjF1l6-SuTs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of Botswana\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>The First Lady of Botswana &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother\u00a0<\/strong>said, \u201dOur partnership with Merck Foundation started in 2018 and since then, we have achieved very important milestones . Together with Merck Foundation, we launched a Poster Contest on \u201cStop GBV\u201d initiative to end Gender-Based Violence in Botswana and Merck Foundation provided 20 Sewing Machines to the women groups who suffer GBV across Botswana to be able to generate monthly income. Moreover, more than 31 scholarships were provide for our local Doctors in Botswana in 32 different underserved and critical specialties such as: Diabetes, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Respiratory Medicines, Acute Medicines and Sexual and Reproductive Medicines\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Burundi First Lady, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE speech@9th Merck Foundation AfricaAsia Luminary-2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jWr6UH2DPhI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of Burundi<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<em><strong>speech\u00a0during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE,\u00a0The First Lady of Burundi &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>\u00a0stated, \u201cI am very proud of the partnership we have with Merck Foundation. Through our long-term partnership,\u00a0<strong>47 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0have been provided for our local doctors in critical and underserved specialities such as Diabetes, Oncology, Fertility &amp; Embryology, Sexual &amp; Reproductive care, I am very happy to share that we have succeeded to establish the\u00a0<strong>first public IVF center in Burundi<\/strong>\u00a0and Merck Foundation has provided training for the staff of Fertility Specialists, Embryologists and also technicians, who are the first local experts in my country, we are making history in Burundi.\u201d<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"DRC First Lady H.E. DENISE TSHISEKEDI @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary-2022.\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/65lgGTRBC-g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congospeech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI,\u00a0The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo &amp;Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>said, \u201cI would like to greatly acknowledge our valuable partnership with Merck Foundation that we started in 2020, and in a very short time, we have together achieved a lot. I am Proud to share that Merck Foundation have provided\u00a0<strong>77 scholarships to our doctors<\/strong>\u00a0in the fields of Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, and Diabetes, which gave us our first Fertility specialists &amp; Embryologists. Together, we also conducted the\u00a0<strong>Online Health Media Training<\/strong>\u00a0for our journalists to create a culture shift, to break the silence, and be the voice of the voiceless in order to raise awareness on sensitive social and health issues like Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM and Stopping GBV, Diabetes early detection and prevention\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"The Gambia First Lady H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW from 9th Merck Foundation AfricaAsia Luminary\u20132022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IOzfJ_izAoQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><em><strong>speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW,\u00a0The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia &amp;Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>emphasized, \u201cOur partnership journey is going from strength to strength as we have achieved many important and significant milestones since 2017, when I hosted Merck Foundation CEO and together, we launched the programs in my country. Through the partnership with Merck Foundation,\u00a0<strong>32 scholarships have been provided to young Gambian doctors<\/strong>\u00a0in medical specialties. And, we are making history by providing training to first specialists in many fields such as Oncology, Respiratory, Fertility, Embryology, Reproductive Care, Diabetes, neonatal care, Endocrinology and more. It is history in the making.\u201d<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Ghana First Lady, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qSCit41q9GU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO,\u00a0The First Lady of Ghana &amp;\u00a0Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>emphasized, \u201cI have been working closely with Merck Foundation to empower women in general and infertile women in specific, not only through creating a culture shift but by also making the fertility, sexual and reproductive care available for them and their husbands whenever they need it, nationwide. We have been able to provide more than\u00a0<strong>110 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0of 32 specialty training in the fields of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive medicine, Embryology, Respiratory, Critical care, Psychiatry, General Surgery, Dermatology, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neuroimaging for Research, Pain Management, Rheumatology, and Neonatal Medicine. All these fields are very critical to our country which I consider a great milestone to transform patient care landscape in my country\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/zOx4Q01bm7s\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH,\u00a0The First Lady of Liberia &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother\u00a0<\/strong>said, \u201cI am very happy to work closely with Merck Foundation to empower infertile women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. Merck Foundation also provided\u00a0<strong>Sanitary Napkin Production Machine<\/strong>\u00a0and raw materials, this will really help our young girls. I truly appreciate our partnership and acknowledge their smart and serious strategy to provide specialty training for our local doctors. Till today,\u00a0<strong>37 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0have been provided to our doctors in many critical and underserved specialties. This is a huge achievement for us, and we are definitely making history in Libera by training the first specialists in many medical fields such as: Infertility, Embryology, Oncology and Diabetes\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Malawi First Lady, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA @9th  Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary \u2013 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xW0TK9w6CIY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA,\u00a0The First Lady of Malawi &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother\u00a0<\/strong>expressed, \u201cI have worked closely with Merck Foundation since 2020 to define the right strategy to build healthcare capacity, empower infertile women, and support girl education in Malawi. With the support of Merck Foundation and their \u201cEmpowering Berna\u201d program ,\u00a0<strong>13 women<\/strong>\u00a0have transformed their lives as they got a chance to establish their own small businesses so that they can be financially independent; and under the \u2018Educating Linda\u2019 program, we provided scholarships of\u00a0<strong>60 Malwian school girls<\/strong>\u00a0to continue thier education till they graduate. Moreover,\u00a0<strong>33 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0have been provided to young Malawian doctors in\u00a0<strong>32<\/strong>\u00a0critical medical specialties such as Fertility &amp; Embryology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Sexual &amp; Reproductive Medicines, Ousmane emergency, respiratory care, acute care and more. My journey with Merck Foundation has definitely been amazing, very impactful and efficient\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Mozambique First Lady, H.E. ISAURA NYUSI from the 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary\u20132022. .\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FV_zZIa4tnM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERR\u00c3O NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERR\u00c3O NYUSI,\u00a0The First Lady of Mozambique &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>\u00a0emphasized, \u201cI am very impressed with initiatives of Merck Foundation under the &#8220;More Than a Mother&#8221; Campaign. We recently conducted our\u00a0<strong>First Online Health Media Training<\/strong>\u00a0for our journalists to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence our society to raise awareness on a wide range of social and health issues. The training session benefitted many of our journalists. Together with Merck Foundation, I am fully committed to working closely to introduce more such innovative ideas that engage different sectors to create a culture shift. Moreover,\u00a0<strong>14 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0have been provided to our doctors for the Online Diabetes Master course, a unique course specially developes in Portuguese language so that our local doctors can benefit from it, under\u00a0<strong>Merck Foundation\u2019s \u00a0Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Namibia First Lady, H.E. Monica Geingos @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hgsN1tsHPTk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS,\u00a0The First Lady of Namibia &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>said \u201cI am glad to have this ongoing long-term beneficial partnership with Merck Foundation. I am particularly excited as Merck More Than a Mother Ambassador, as together we have been doing amazing work in the country to empower women living with infertility through access to information, education, information, change of mindset and economic empowerement. Moreover,\u00a0<strong>53 scholarships have been provided to young Namibian doctors<\/strong>\u00a0in the fields of Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory Medicines, Acute Medicines and Sexual and Reproductive Medicines, and many more. For Namibia, 2.4M population, we will soon have more than\u00a0<strong>18 skilled and trained doctors<\/strong>\u00a0nationwide\u00a0 to assist couples living with infertility or need any sexual &amp; reproductive help, this will be a significant contribution towards improving women health in general and reproductive health in specific\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Sierra Leone First Lady, H.E.FATIMA MAADA BIO @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XcJmExh4dWw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO, The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO,&nbsp;The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone&nbsp;<\/strong>stated, \u201cOur partnership with Merck Foundation is since 2018 and we highly appreciate their programs. Together, we have provided&nbsp;<strong>46 scholarships<\/strong>&nbsp;to our doctors from different provinces of Sierra Leone in the fields of Oncology, Embryology &amp; Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Orthopaedics, Clinical Microbiology &amp; Infectious Diseases, Clinical Psychiatry, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, Respiratory Medicine and Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine. I can proudly say that along with Merck Foundation we are making history in Sierra Leone by&nbsp;<strong>providing training for the First Oncologists in the country<\/strong>&nbsp;with the aim to establish the first skilled cancer care team who will be working in our new hospital, this will improve access to quality and equitable cancer care in the country. This is a huge achievement for us since we did not have any oncologists or fertility specialists and we have in general a very limited number of local specialists in the public sector before starting our partnership with Merck Foundation.\u201d<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Zambia First Lady, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA, 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary \u2013 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DA_hKkepJH4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia\u00a0<\/strong>expressed, \u201cI am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I am very impressed with \u2018Educating Linda\u2019 program to support girl education and provide scholarships to girls to complete thier education by providing thier tutiton fees, we have implememted this program in Zambia and provided\u00a0<strong>22 girls with scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0to cover thier tuttion fees of nursing schools and health sciences univesities .this scholarship wil continue till they complete thier education successfully. I also very interested in &#8220;More Than a Mother&#8221; Campaign, this campaign is very critical for my country and Africa, at large. I am fully supporting this initiative as the First Lady of Zambia and as an african woman, it is very close to my heart. Moreover, together with Merck Foundation, we have provided\u00a0<strong>50 scholarships<\/strong>\u00a0to our doctors from different provinces across Zambia and we will scale up this program under the leadership of my office\u201d.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Angola First Lady, H.E. ANA LOUREN\u00c7O 9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary \u2013 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EDyHrntKTn8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOUREN\u00c7O, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p>During her speech,\u00a0<strong>H.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOUREN\u00c7O,\u00a0The First Lady of the Republic of Angola &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>\u00a0stated, \u201cI am looking forward to start the implementation of the\u00a0\u2018Educating Linda\u2019\u00a0Program\u00a0which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. Moreover, I am very excited about the 8 important different competitions for our communities which are: Best Media, Song, Film and Fashion awards with the aim to encourage Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields to play their important role in sensitizing their communities about many critical social and health issues.\u201d<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Central Africa First Lady, H.E.  BRIGITTE TOUADERA, @ 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary\u20132022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Asitqwqu_64?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa\u00a0speech during\u00a09th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA,&nbsp;The First Lady of Central Africa &amp; Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother<\/strong>emphasized \u201cI greatly value our partnership with Merck Foundation that is since 2015, to support us to advance and build the healthcare capacity in our country by providing scholarships to our local doctors in various medical specialities. Together, we worked on \u201cEmpowering Berna\u201d&nbsp;program where we established small businesses for infertile and childless women and trained them to run their businesses so they can have income and become independent and have purpose life. Also, as a part of Merck Foundation\u2019s Education Linda program, we will be providing scholarships to 20 under-privileged schoolgirls from our country to support girl education. Moreover,&nbsp;<strong>5 scholarships<\/strong>&nbsp;have been provided to our doctors by Merck Foundation so far in Oncology and Diabetes\u201d.<\/p><p>The&nbsp;<strong>9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2022&nbsp;<\/strong>was&nbsp;<strong>streamed live on the social media handles of&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/merckfoundation\/\"><strong>Merck Foundation<\/strong><\/a>and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/KelejRasha\/\"><strong>Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p><p><a>Link to the Facebook live steam of\u00a0<strong>Inaugural Session of<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary &amp; African First Ladies High Level Panel:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KelejRasha\/videos\/1578702445903102\"><strong>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KelejRasha\/videos\/1578702445903102<\/strong><\/a><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej @ Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Committee 2022 -Overview\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zTeGNhhPUqs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>Watch video &#8211;\u00a0Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative &#8211; MFFLI Committee 2022<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=IMG_9173.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=BSP05470.JPG\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><p><strong>Merck Foundation<\/strong>&nbsp;is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1470 + Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 50 Countries in 32 critical and underserved medical specialties. &nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Merck Foundation<\/strong>&nbsp;is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>2200 + Media Persons from more than 50 countries trained to better raise Awareness about different social and health issues<\/li><li>8 Different Awards Launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs<\/li><li>Around 30 songs to address health and social issues by local singers across Africa<\/li><li>8 Children\u2019s Storybooks in three languages &#8211; English, French, and Portuguese<\/li><li>Pan African TV Program &#8220;Our Africa by Merck Foundation\u201d TV Program addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through \u201cFashion and ART with Purpose\u201d Community<\/li><li>1000+ Girls from 15 African countries supported through scholarships or school items, annually.<\/li><li>9 Social Media Channels with more than 5 Million Followers<\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej @ Inauguration of 9th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary - 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8cSCfV4HFA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>Watch full Video\u00a0 &#8211; 9th\u00a0Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej @ Merck Foundation Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI Committee 2022\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hGd8fTM7qwg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption> <em><strong>Watch full Video &#8211;\u00a0Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative &#8211; MFFLI Committee 2022<\/strong><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=WhatsApp+Image+2022-11-29+at+11_55_55+AM+%281%29%281%29.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>View pictures<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+_+Group+Pic+11+%2815%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+_+Group+Pic+11+%281%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+Inaugural+%281%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=SENATO%7E1%282%29.JPG\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+_+Group+Pic+11+%289%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=IMG_7934.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=IMG_8110.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+_+Group+Pic+11+%285%29%281%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=IMG_8208.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=BSP05720.JPG\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=BSP05729.JPG\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=BSP05559.JPG\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Women+Day+048.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/merck-foundation.com\/merckfoundation\/public\/assets\/plugins\/ckfinder\/core\/connector\/php\/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;fileName=Merck+Foundation+Africa+Asia+Luminary+2022+%285%29.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and African First Ladies of Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia,&nbsp; Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Angola and Central Africa Inaugurate 9th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2022 Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp with African First Ladies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6239,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Merck Foundation calls for action together with 13 African First Ladies to Build Healthcare Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Support Girl Education during their 9th Africa Asia Luminary | Rasha Kelej<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=6226\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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