Mumbai (Maharashtra) : Merck Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Merck KGaA Germany, will host the 11th edition of its annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary,” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on October 29 and 30, 2024. The event will be held under the patronage of the President of Tanzania and in partnership with the Tanzanian government. It will be inaugurated by Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, along with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.
The conference, chaired by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, will feature Africa’s First Ladies from over 15 countries as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, including:
- Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi
- Dr. Debora Katisa Carvalho, First Lady of Cabo Verde
- Madam Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of the Central African Republic
- Madam Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia
- Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of Ghana
- Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia
- Monica Chakwera, First Lady of Malawi
- Isaura Ferrao Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique
- Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe
- Mutinta Hichilema, First Lady of Zambia
- Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe
- Mariam H. Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed excitement about the upcoming conference, highlighting the collaboration with the Tanzanian government and the participation of the First Ladies and ambassadors of the “More Than a Mother” campaign. “We look forward to sharing experiences and discussing the impact of our programs aimed at improving patient care and raising awareness about critical social and health issues,” she stated.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp reiterated Merck Foundation’s mission to enhance health and well-being by strengthening healthcare capacity and providing equitable access to quality healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. He noted that the annual conference represents a commitment to this mission.
Dr. Dorothy Gwajima (M.P.), Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups in Tanzania, emphasized the honor of hosting the conference, which will bring together First Ladies, ministers, policymakers, academics, healthcare providers, and media representatives from over 70 countries.
The conference will adopt a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online participation from more than 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, academics, researchers, and health media representatives, with 500 attendees expected on-site. During this 11th edition, Merck Foundation will celebrate two significant milestones: the 7th anniversary of the organization and 12 years of impactful development programs initiated in 2012.
Since its inception, Merck Foundation has provided over 2,000 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialties, including oncology, diabetes, and reproductive health. Many recipients are now the first specialists in their countries.
The conference will feature a Plenary Session with a high-level panel discussion with African First Ladies on the first day, while the second day will include five key parallel sessions covering topics such as oncology, diabetes, fertility care, and medical capacity building. A community awareness session will also be held, focusing on the role of media in addressing social and health issues, such as infertility stigma and girls’ education.
Participating countries include Angola, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, and many more. The 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will be streamed live on the foundation’s social media channels.
Summary of Merck Foundation’s Impact:
- Over 2,000 scholarships for doctors in critical medical specialties.
- Training for more than 3,200 media personnel to raise awareness about social and health issues.
- Various initiatives, including awards, children’s storybooks, and awareness campaigns on health topics.
For more information, join the conversation on social media:
- Facebook: Merck Foundation
- X: @MerckFoundation
- YouTube: MerckFoundation
- Instagram: Merck Foundation
- Threads: Merck Foundation
- Flickr: Merck Foundation
- Website
