Merck Foundation Appoints Gabon’s First Lady as Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” to Strengthen Healthcare Capacity and Support Girl Education
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has officially launched its programs in collaboration with H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, the First Lady of the Gabonese Republic. This partnership, which commenced in 2024, aims to enhance patient care, build healthcare capacity, combat infertility stigma, empower women, and support girls’ education in Gabon and across Africa.
Launch Event at the State House
The launch event took place at the State House in Gabon, chaired by H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees. Notable attendees included Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation.
Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the honor of collaborating with the First Lady, declaring her the Ambassador of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign. The programs launched aim to transform healthcare and media capacity, improve patient care, and support educational initiatives for girls.
Commitment to Healthcare and Education
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp stated that the foundation’s goal is to enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia, and other developing regions. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to transforming the patient care landscape through scholarship programs.
H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema expressed her pride in the partnership, highlighting the significant milestones achieved in a short period. She noted that through this collaboration, 16 scholarships have been awarded to local healthcare providers, preparing them to become future experts in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, and Hypertension.
Scholarships and Educational Initiatives
The partnership also focuses on supporting girls’ education. Dr. Rasha Kelej announced that annual scholarships will be provided to 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, ensuring they can complete their education and reach their full potential.
The Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties. In Gabon, the scholarships include:
- Four scholarships for Fertility and Embryology, with practical training conducted in India, resulting in the country’s first embryologist.
- Four scholarships for Diabetes and Hypertension, featuring a specialized three-month Diabetes Mastercourse in French and Clinical Fellowship training.
- Eight scholarships for Oncology Nursing, crucial for enhancing cancer care.
Community Engagement and Awareness
During the launch, beneficiaries of the “Educating Linda” program shared inspiring testimonies about how the scholarships have positively impacted their lives. Dr. Rasha Kelej remarked on the empowering effect of educating girls, stating that educated girls contribute to stronger and more prosperous nations.
In addition to scholarships, the Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady, has launched seven children’s storybooks addressing critical social and health issues. These titles include “More Than a Mother,” “Educating Linda,” and “Jackline’s Rescue,” among others. Thousands of copies will be distributed to schoolchildren to promote awareness on these topics.
Media Training and Awards
The Merck Foundation has also conducted two editions of Online Health Media Training for Gabonese journalists, aiming to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, gender-based violence, child marriage, and the prevention of diabetes and hypertension.
Furthermore, the foundation has announced a call for applications for eight annual awards aimed at recognizing talent in media, music, fashion design, and filmmaking. The awards will encourage participants to create works that address social issues, including infertility stigma, girl education, and health awareness.
Details of the Awards
- Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase their work on social issues.
- Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Filmmakers are invited to create films addressing social issues.
- Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Fashion designers are invited to create designs that raise awareness about social issues.
- Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Musicians are invited to create songs addressing social issues.
- Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to promote healthy lifestyles.
- Submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Filmmakers are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Fashion designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Musicians are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
Applications for all awards can be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Source: www.zawya.com
Published on 2026-04-13 21:12:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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