MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.
Many of the alumni have become the first specialists in their countries, helping to transform the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
This was shared when the Merck Foundation Chairman, Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Chief Executive Officer Rasha Kelej, together with First Ladies from 12 countries inaugurated the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.
“I am pleased to share that, of the 2,600+ scholarships provided by Merck Foundation, more than 800 scholarships have been for healthcare providers in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine,” Dr Kelej said.
Merck Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany.
It conducted the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on 18th and 19th June, through an online videoconference.
The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary along with The First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries.
DrKelej, who is also President of “More Than a Mother” and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary said valuable experiences and meaningful discussions on the impact of the programmes where shared during the sessions.
“The programmes are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues,” she said.
And Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees Frank Haverkamp, commended Ministers, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academia, media representatives, and all partners for their unwavering support and collaboration.
“At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond,” he said.
“Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life,” he said.
The First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, who joined the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary were from Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria and São Tomé and PrÃncipe.
The Conference also marked also marked World Infertility Awareness Month, observed annually in June, through the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, dedicated to empowering infertile and childless women by providing access to information, health, education, and change of mindset.
During the conference, two important occasions were marked; the 9th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 14 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that were started in 2012.
The sessions were attended by over 800 from over 57 countries. Participants comprised of healthcare providers, policymakers, and media personel.
The second day of the conference featured two parallel scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics.
Merck Foundation 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:
• 4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues.
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion contributing to raise awareness and break the silence.
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.
• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
• 1550+ Annual Scholarships awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books, uniforms and transport, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 9 Million Followers.
