Monrovia: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently held the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, along with H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, and First Ladies from various African and Asian countries.
According to African Press Organization, the summit focused on collaborative initiatives to bolster healthcare capacity across participating nations. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej highlighted the partnership with the First Lady of Liberia, which has provided 50 scholarships to young Liberian doctors in various medical fields, making significant strides in the public healthcare sector. H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai expressed her pride in the accomplishments achieved since her appointment as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother in 2024, noting that even Liberia's current Minister of Health is among the Merck Foundation Alumni.
On the second day of the summit, the MFFLI committee meeting facilitated discussions between the African and Asian First Ladies and the Merck Foundation leadership to review the impact of ongoing programs and to strategize future initiatives. The foundation has provided a total of 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in underserved medical specialties and has supported educational programs for young girls through the Educating Linda initiative.
Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Liberia, also conducted a Health Media Training program aimed at enhancing the capacity of local media to address critical social and health issues. Additionally, the foundation announced the launch of eight awards in partnership with the First Lady of Liberia, targeting media professionals, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, and students.
In a bid to address social and health issues, Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Liberia, is launching children's storybooks in the country. The foundation's initiatives are further amplified through various media channels, including a Pan African TV program and numerous social media platforms.
The summit and its sessions were streamed live on Merck Foundation's social media channels, showcasing the organization's commitment to transforming patient care and addressing social and health issues across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
