By Ijeoma Ukazu
At the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in Tanzania, African First Ladies and the Merck Foundation emphasized the essential role healthcare plays in driving economic and social progress.
The conference brought together 15 First Ladies from Africa and Asia, along with healthcare leaders and policymakers, to address advancements and challenges in healthcare access across the continents.
During his opening remarks, Merck Foundation’s Chairman, Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, highlighted that while financial limitations hinder healthcare development in Africa, the shortage of skilled medical professionals is an even more critical barrier to improving public health.
“Good healthcare is more than a medical necessity; it’s a catalyst for economic and social development,” said Stangenberg-Haverkamp. He outlined Merck Foundation’s commitment to building healthcare capacity in Africa, Asia, and other developing regions through scholarship programs aimed at transforming patient care and empowering local communities.
He noted the critical shortage of trained healthcare providers capable of handling disease prevention, diagnosis, and management across Africa. “The continent has only 168 medical schools, with 24 African countries having just one, and 11 countries without any. Sub-Saharan Africa, bearing 24 percent of the world’s disease burden, has only two healthcare workers per 10,000 people,” he explained, emphasizing how this shortage limits access to care, particularly in rural areas.
“Investing in healthcare means investing in our nations’ future,” Stangenberg-Haverkamp stated, underscoring Merck Foundation’s work to address this issue through its scholarship program, which aims to train future healthcare leaders and drive sustainable economic growth.
The foundation’s holistic approach includes initiatives to combat infertility stigma, gender-based violence, and female genital mutilation, empowering women and girls and supporting community development. Through partnerships with governments, healthcare organizations, and local communities, Merck Foundation is advancing healthcare access and equity across Africa.
At the event, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her support for Merck Foundation’s efforts in capacity-building and praised its alignment with Tanzania’s Sustainable Development Goals in healthcare and education. Her remarks underscored Merck Foundation’s pivotal role in transforming healthcare and fostering a more equitable future in Africa and beyond.
Stating that the annual conference in a hybrid model was to enable more than 6000 participants from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health as well as social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.
“We aim to contribute to improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions and building healthcare capacity in many critical and underserved medical fields.”
Noting that many Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries, she said: “We continue to make history together in Africa and beyond.
Merck Foundation initiated this strategic approach to build and enhance healthcare capacity in 2012, in partnership with African First Ladies together with Ministries of Health and Medical Societies.
“This has significantly contributed towards reshaping the public healthcare sector and transforming the patient care landscape in 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Moreover, we will celebrate together the 7th Anniversary of the Merck Foundation, established in 2017, and the 12th Anniversary of our Development Programs, which started in 2012.
She noted that Merck Foundation unveiled a series of animation films designed to raise awareness about these critical issues engagingly and entertainingly- “Sugar-Free Jude,” “Mark’s Pressure,”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “A Ride into the Future,” and “More Than a Mother”, was developed to raise awareness about Diabetes and Hypertension Prevention, supporting Girls’ Education, ending Child Marriage and breaking Infertility Stigma in Africa and beyond, engagingly and entertainingly.
“I encourage you all to watch and benefit from the different critical and sensitive social and health issues addressed by “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program that is currently broadcasting on many National TV channels, also available on our social media.
Senator Kelej emphasised the organisation’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and building healthcare capacity in underserved regions.
She also highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable impact.
Kelej expressed gratitude to all the 15 First Ladies who travelled to participate and serve as ambassadors of the “More Than a Mother” campaign and other participants.
Acknowledging the President of Tanzania’s support and as one of Africa’s most influential women, since they first met in 2018, Kelej further thanked the government of Tanzania for hosting the event.
She described the Tanzanian President as an inspiring female role model not only in Africa but globally.
She said that their partnership with Merck Foundation continues to thrive.
Speaking, the First Lady of Zimbabwe and Ambassador for the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa who spoke on behalf of other First Ladies, commended the Merck Foundation and its team for their dedication to training doctors and media practitioners.
Mnangagwa disclosed that the foundation has awarded 51 medical scholarships to enhance healthcare providers’ skills and knowledge, breaking down stigma and advancing patient care.
Mnangagwa said scholarships were also provided to 40 schoolgirls who dropped out of school to continue their education.
The first lady pledged her commitment as a campaign ambassador to challenge stereotypes and stigma associated with infertility in Zimbabwe.
Other First Ladies in attendance were; The First Ladies of 15 Countries, who joined as the Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers are: Madam Angeline Ndayishmiye, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Dr Debora Carvalho, First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Madam Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of Central African Republic, Madam Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo, Madam Zita Nguema, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic.
Others include; Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, Mrs. Monica Chakwera, First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Sajidha Mohamed, the First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, Mrs. Isaura Nyusi, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, Mrs Maria De Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Mrs Mariam Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar, Amai Dr. Auxilla Mnangagwa, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe.