Merck Foundation Celebrates World Art Day 2026, Strengthening Awareness of Social and Health Issues Through Film, Song, and Fashion Awards in Partnership with Africa’s First Ladies
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, commemorated World Art Day 2026 by celebrating the six-year anniversary of its Pan-African initiative, “Art and Fashion with Purpose.” This community, founded by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, aims to leverage the power of art and fashion to address pressing health and social issues across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Rasha Kelej Highlights the Role of Art in Social Change
Dr. Rasha Kelej, a prominent figure recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2025, expressed her enthusiasm for the occasion. She emphasized the importance of art, fashion, and media as tools for raising awareness and tackling critical social and health challenges. The “Fashion and Art with Purpose” community, established in 2020, focuses on various issues, including breaking the stigma surrounding infertility, supporting girls’ education, ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, combating gender-based violence, and promoting awareness of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
The community has grown to include talented members from over 25 countries, contributing to a significant positive social impact.
Launch of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV Program
In addition to its community initiatives, the Merck Foundation has launched its first pan-African television program, “Our Africa by Merck Foundation.” This program, conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, showcases African fashion designers, musicians, and experts from various fields. Its aim is to raise awareness and foster cultural shifts across the continent. The program has garnered significant attention, reaching millions of viewers through prime TV stations and social media platforms.
Annual Awards to Recognize Talent and Promote Awareness
The Merck Foundation, in collaboration with Africa’s First Ladies, annually presents eight awards under two key themes:
- Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, and Women Empowerment.
- Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle and Raising Awareness about the Prevention and Early Detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Entries for the 2026 awards can be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Celebrating Exceptional Talent Across Africa
Dr. Kelej noted that the foundation has recognized and celebrated 175 exceptional talents from 25 countries through its Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. This includes 102 Fashion Award winners, 53 Song Award winners, and 20 Film Award winners, all selected for their creativity and impact. The winners hail from diverse nations, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and many others.
A significant portion of the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community comprises these talented award winners, who continue to use their influence to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues.
Community Awareness Programs and Creative Initiatives
The Merck Foundation has also produced over 30 songs in collaboration with various African artists, addressing critical issues such as infertility stigma, women’s empowerment, and diabetes awareness. These songs are available in multiple languages, including English, French, and Portuguese.
Additionally, the foundation has launched nine children’s storybooks in five languages—English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili. These storybooks have been adapted into six awareness animation films, aimed at educating communities on important issues and instilling change at grassroots levels.
To access the Merck Foundation’s songs, storybooks, and animation films, visit the following links:
About Merck Foundation
Established in 2017, the Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving health and well-being through science and technology. Its initiatives focus on enhancing access to quality healthcare in underserved communities, building healthcare capacity, and empowering girls in education and STEM fields, particularly among women and youth.
The foundation maintains a strictly neutral stance in political matters and does not engage in political activities, focusing solely on its humanitarian mission.
For more information, visit www.Merck-Foundation.com.
Published on 2026-04-15 23:49:00 • By the Editorial Desk
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
