Mumbai : The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held its 11th annual “Africa Asia Luminary” conference on October 29-30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hosted in partnership with the Tanzanian government, the event was inaugurated by Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, joined by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Distinguished First Ladies from 15 African and Asian countries participated as Guests of Honor, contributing as keynote speakers on health and social challenges.
In her opening remarks, President Hassan expressed her pride in Tanzania hosting the event, highlighting the impact of the Merck Foundation’s programs in strengthening healthcare, combating infertility stigma, and supporting girls’ education across Africa and Asia. Senator Dr. Kelej extended her gratitude to President Hassan and the Tanzanian government for their support, noting that the conference aims to transform healthcare in underserved regions and address pressing issues like infertility, diabetes, and gender-based violence.
The Merck Foundation has provided over 2,080 scholarships to doctors across 50 countries, helping to address skill gaps in specialties such as oncology, endocrinology, cardiovascular care, and fertility. Many of these doctors have become the first specialists in their respective countries. To amplify the impact of its work, the Merck Foundation also trained more than 3,500 media professionals from 35 countries to raise awareness on health and social issues, launched awards for media and arts excellence, and introduced children’s storybooks and awareness animations.
In addition to high-level panel discussions, the two-day conference included sessions on oncology, diabetes, reproductive care, and pediatric emergency care. Merck Foundation’s “Health Media Training” session underscored the role of media in driving social change. Through partnerships with countries in Africa and Asia, the Merck Foundation continues its mission to transform healthcare and foster community awareness around critical health issues.
