Monrovia, Liberia & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 6th August 2025: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, successfully hosted the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 on June 19–20. This impactful global event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of MFFLI. The summit welcomed First Ladies from 14 African and Asian countries as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
First Ladies Champion Change as Ambassadors of “More Than a Mother”
The summit spotlighted Merck Foundation’s flagship campaign “More Than a Mother”, which advocates for women’s empowerment, fertility support, and education.
The participating First Ladies included:
- H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa – Zimbabwe
- H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye – Senegal
- H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova – São Tomé and Príncipe
- H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON – Nigeria
- H.E. Dr. Gueta Selemane Chapo – Mozambique
- H.E. Mrs. Sajidha Mohamed – Maldives
- H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai – Liberia
- H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, E.G.H. – Kenya
- H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama – Ghana
- H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow – The Gambia
- H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema – Gabon
- H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera – Central African Republic
- H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho – Cabo Verde
- H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço – Angola
Watch Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s opening speech
Watch Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp’s address
Key Achievements: Scholarships, Healthcare, and Girl Education
Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,280 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44+ critical medical specialties such as oncology, fertility, cardiology, endocrinology, and neonatology.
Additionally, the ‘Educating Linda’ program has supported 950+ underprivileged but high-performing girls across Africa, enabling them to complete their education and pursue brighter futures.
Voices of Impact from the First Ladies
Zimbabwe
“Over 130 scholarships granted. We’re also supporting 40 schoolgirls. This is a historic transformation for Zimbabwe.”
— H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa
Senegal
“As a first-time participant, I’m honored to see Senegal benefit from 25 medical scholarships.”
— H.E. Madam Marie Khone Faye
Nigeria
“64 doctors trained; 20 girls supported. This partnership will shape Nigeria’s healthcare future.”
— H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON
Kenya
“244 scholarships awarded—half to women. We’re driving healthcare equity.”
— H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, E.G.H.
Liberia
“Our current Health Minister is a Merck Foundation alumnus. That speaks volumes.”
— H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai
Merck Foundation’s Comprehensive Social Impact Programs
Through an integrated strategy, Merck Foundation is shaping a healthier, more inclusive future by addressing key social and health challenges:
- Training for 3,700+ journalists from 35+ countries to report on health & social issues
- 8 Media, Fashion & Film Awards to promote creativity with purpose
- 30+ songs and 8 children’s books raising awareness on infertility, diabetes, girl education
- Awareness animation films in 5 languages on prevention and early detection
- “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” – A Pan-African TV show promoting health through art & fashion
- 15+ social platforms with over 8 million followers for global engagement
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