Merck Foundation CEO and 12 First Ladies Strengthen Healthcare Collaboration at 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026
The 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 was inaugurated on June 18 and 19, 2026, via an online videoconference. This significant event convened key stakeholders, including Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation, alongside First Ladies from 12 African and Asian nations. Their participation highlights the essential intersection of healthcare, policy, and social awareness in tackling urgent health challenges across these regions.
Significance of the Event
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Merck KGaA Germany, has a longstanding commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in underserved communities. The Luminary serves as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders. This year’s event underscored the importance of collaboration in transforming patient care and raising awareness about various health and social issues.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of the Africa Asia Luminary, emphasized the importance of the First Ladies’ involvement. Acting as ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, they aim to empower women, particularly those facing infertility challenges. The campaign focuses on providing access to information, healthcare, and education, fostering a shift in societal attitudes.
Participation and Engagement
The inaugural session featured a high-level panel comprising the First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Their participation not only added credibility to the event but also facilitated discussions on healthcare policies and initiatives that can be adopted in their respective countries.
The conference attracted over 800 participants from 57 countries, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and media representatives. The live streaming of the event reached more than 220,000 viewers on social media platforms, amplifying its impact and extending access to critical discussions on healthcare.
Educational Initiatives and Scholarships
Dr. Rasha Kelej announced that the Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical specialties. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare capacity and improve the quality of care available in underserved regions. Many alumni of this program have become the first specialists in their respective countries, marking a significant advancement in healthcare services.
In conjunction with the conference, the Merck Foundation also recognized World Infertility Awareness Month. The “More Than a Mother” campaign aims to empower women facing infertility by providing essential resources and support. Over 800 scholarships have been awarded specifically in fields related to fertility, reproductive medicine, and women’s health, reflecting the foundation’s dedication to improving healthcare access for women.
Broader Implications for Healthcare
The 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary also commemorated the 9th anniversary of the foundation and celebrated 14 years of development programs initiated in 2012. The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for collaborative efforts to address healthcare disparities in Africa and Asia.
Discussions held during the conference are expected to influence healthcare policies and practices in the participating countries. The focus on oncology and fertility topics during the second day of the conference further emphasizes the necessity for specialized care in these critical areas.
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Published on 2026-06-18 23:33:00 • By the Editorial Desk
