Port Louis, Mauritius & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 11th August 2025:
- Merck Foundation CEO met the H.E.MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in partnership with Ministry of Health.
- Dr. Rasha Kelej also met Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius to share the impact of their programs and underscore their long-term commitment to address critical social issues in Mauritius and launch their Educating Linda project to support the education of 20 high-performing yet underprivileged Mauritian schoolgirls.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, successfully conducted the Fourth Edition of its “Merck Foundation Health Media Training” in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family Welfare, Mauritius.
The event was co-chaired by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, alongside Hon. Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.
Empowering Media to Drive Social Change
Dr. Kelej highlighted the pivotal role of media in shaping public awareness, stating:
“Media enters every home, even without an invitation. Journalists can create a cultural shift by addressing issues like infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and the prevention of diabetes and hypertension.”
The training aimed to equip journalists with knowledge and tools to advocate for these causes and be “the voice of the voiceless.”
High-Level Engagement and Healthcare Scholarships
During her visit, Dr. Kelej met H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, to discuss the impact of 100 scholarships awarded to Mauritian doctors across 42 critical and underserved medical specialties. These programs, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aim to transform patient care and improve healthcare access.
Merck Foundation has provided over 2,280 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, with many becoming the first specialists in their fields.
Educating Linda Program Launched in Mauritius
Together with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Merck Foundation launched the “Educating Linda” Program in Mauritius, supporting the education of 20 high-achieving yet underprivileged schoolgirls until graduation.
Specialized Medical Training Areas
Scholarships cover critical fields such as:
- Fertility & Embryology
- Oncology & Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine
- Diabetes, Endocrinology & Acute Medicine
- Pediatric Emergency & Neonatal Medicine
- Psychiatry, Ophthalmology & Critical Care
- Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, and more
Merck Foundation Awards 2025 – Call for Entries
The training also marked the launch of eight major awards to encourage media professionals, designers, musicians, and filmmakers across Africa to promote health awareness and social change.
Categories Include:
- Media Recognition Awards – “More Than a Mother” (Deadline: 30 Sept 2025)
- Fashion Awards – “More Than a Mother” (Deadline: 30 Sept 2025)
- Film Awards – “More Than a Mother” (Deadline: 30 Sept 2025)
- Song Awards – “More Than a Mother” (Deadline: 30 Sept 2025)
- Media Recognition Awards – “Diabetes & Hypertension” (Deadline: 30 Oct 2025)
- Fashion Awards – “Diabetes & Hypertension” (Deadline: 30 Oct 2025)
- Film Awards – “Diabetes & Hypertension” (Deadline: 30 Oct 2025)
- Song Awards – “Diabetes & Hypertension” (Deadline: 30 Oct 2025)
Submission Email: submit@merck-foundation.com
Official Website: www.merck-foundation.com
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