Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej Strengthens Partnership with Gabon First Lady to Enhance 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 and Ambassador of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” initiative. This partnership aims to transform patient care, enhance healthcare capacity, combat infertility stigma, empower women, and support girls’ education in Gabon and across Africa. The launch event took place at the State House in Gabon.
Key Developments in Healthcare Initiatives
The program was chaired by H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation. Dr. Kelej highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that it is an honor to work alongside the First Lady. The partnership marks a commitment to improving healthcare and media capacity, transforming patient care, and supporting girls’ education.
Dr. Kelej emphasized the foundation’s dedication to building healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia, noting the importance of scholarships in enhancing the patient care landscape. Prof. Dr. Stangenberg-Haverkamp reiterated the foundation’s mission to improve the overall health and well-being of communities through targeted healthcare initiatives.
Scholarships and Educational Support
The partnership has already yielded significant results, with 16 scholarships awarded to local healthcare providers in Gabon. These scholarships focus on critical and underserved specialties, including Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, and Hypertension. The First Lady expressed pride in the achievements of their partnership, emphasizing the importance of these educational opportunities for local healthcare experts.
Dr. Kelej announced that the foundation is also supporting girls’ education by providing annual scholarships for 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, ensuring they can complete their education and realize their potential.
Impact on Healthcare Training
The Merck Foundation has provided over 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties. In Gabon, the scholarships include:
- Four scholarships for Fertility and Embryology, featuring hands-on training in India, which has resulted in the training of the country’s first embryologist.
- Four scholarships for Diabetes and Hypertension, including a specialized three-month Diabetes Mastercourse in French and Clinical Fellowship. These specialists will be equipped to establish dedicated clinics, enhancing the management of diabetes and hypertension in Gabon.
- Eight scholarships for Oncology Nursing, critical for improving cancer care in the region.
During the launch, beneficiaries of the “Educating Linda” program shared testimonials about how the scholarships have positively impacted their lives. Dr. Kelej remarked on the transformative power of education for girls, stating that educated girls contribute to stronger and more prosperous nations.
Launch of Educational Resources
In addition to scholarships, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the First Lady, has launched seven children’s storybooks, including titles such as “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda.” These books aim to address critical social and health issues for young readers. Signed copies were distributed at the launch, with thousands set to be shared with schoolchildren across Gabon.
The foundation has also conducted two editions of Online Health Media Training for Gabonese journalists, empowering them to raise awareness on sensitive topics such as infertility stigma, girl education, gender-based violence, child marriage, and the prevention of diabetes and hypertension.
Annual Awards for Creative Talent
The Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady, has announced a call for applications for eight annual awards aimed at recognizing talent in media, music, fashion design, and filmmaking. The awards encourage participants to create works that address social issues, including:
- Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work on social issues like infertility stigma, girl education, and gender-based violence. Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Filmmakers are encouraged to create films that deliver impactful messages on social issues. Submission deadline: September 30, 2026.
- Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Fashion students and 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 and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension. 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.
For more information on the awards, interested parties can apply here. All entries should be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Source: www.zawya.com
Published on 2026-05-29 19:39:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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