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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Rasha Kelej meets The First Lady of Liberia & 6 African First Ladies of Africa at the...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference is co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of More Than a Mother. H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia and the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” at the 12th Africa Asia Luminary. Together, we have provided 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Oncology, Diabetes care, Acute Medicine, Paediatrics, and Dermatology. Many of these doctors have become the first specialists in the public healthcare sector. I am also proud to share that the current Liberia Minister of Health is a Merck Foundation alumnus. This is a true testament of our achievement through the joint programs.”
H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I feel honored to be appointed as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother last year, and I am proud that we have achieved so much together. We have provided 52 scholarships for our local doctors and healthcare providers in several critical specialties. Moreover, through the ‘Educating Linda' program, we are providing scholarships for 40 deserving high performing girls annually. Together, we will continue to make history in our country.”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/48VoXGF
On the first day of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers.
On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/3YfUAVf
Together with Liberia First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 52 scholarships for local doctors in Liberia in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 52 scholarships,
- 28 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Fertility and Embryology, and PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. This will contribute towards promoting the well-being of infertile women, breaking the infertility stigma and empowering these women through access to information, education and change of mindset.
- 5 scholarships have been provided for doctors for doctors in Oncology. This will reshape the Oncology Care in Liberia.
- 9 scholarships have been provided for PG Diploma and Master degree in Acute Medicine, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Infectious Disease, Paediatrics and Child Health, and Nursing Training
- Moreover, 10 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Master course and PG Diploma in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine with an aim to build Diabetes Care Capacity in Liberia. This will enable the doctors to establish their own diabetes clinics in their country.
Merck Foundation in partnership with The Liberia First Lady has also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, as a part of which annual scholarships are provided to 40 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education, till they graduate. Additionally, Merck Foundation distributed 3000 essential school items sets to school children to support them.
Moreover, Merck Foundation together with The First Lady of Liberia launched nine children's storybooks; “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Ray of Hope”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark's Pressure”, to raise awareness about various social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, ending GBV and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Thousands of copies of a few of these storybooks have been distributed to school students of Liberia and many more will be distributed soon.
Merck Foundation has also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Liberia for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3LfBP1f), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jfxfN3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qsfH2C), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pQbp5f).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44M2rNV), X (https://apo-opa.co/3MSBMc9), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44LxUzX), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pPALQE).
Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/44FUaLy
Summarizing Merck Foundation's initiatives and impact:
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
• 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
• 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
• 9 Children's Storybooks in four languages - English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
• Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
- 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3LfBP1f), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jfxfN3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qsfH2C), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pQbp5f), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4pTXs6a) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3LgMoRE).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Liberia secures Global Environment Facility (GEF) approval for landmark mercury-reduction project in the gold mining sector, backed by the African Development Bank Group
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The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a transformative project developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia and supported by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) to dramatically reduce mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The project, with $7.67 million in GEF financing and an additional $24.57 million in indicative co-financing from the Bank Group, will help build a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable gold mining sector in Liberia.
The initiative marks Liberia's entry into the planetGOLD programme, a global effort supported by the GEF that has already assisted more than 20 countries in reducing mercury use while improving environmental health and livelihoods. The project advances planetGOLD's global strategy, which focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding financial inclusion, promoting mercury-free technologies, and cultivating partnerships across government, communities, and the private sector.
It also builds on the African Development Bank's Institutional Support for Enhanced Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Reform Implementation Project, which is helping to improve transparency and governance in Liberia's mining sector.
“This is a powerful example of programmatic incrementality,” says Anthony Nyong, Bank Group Director for Climate Change and Green Growth. “The foundations established through the African Development Bank's institutional support are now being expanded into a full-scale environmental and socio-economic transformation of Liberia's mining sector. It proves that development and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand.”
“The approval of this project marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce mercury pollution worldwide,” says Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility. “By supporting a comprehensive approach that combines policy reform, technology, and community engagement, we are helping Liberia lead the way toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable gold mining sector.”
“This approval is a major victory for the people and environment of Liberia,” said Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of Liberia's EPA of Liberia. “By tackling mercury pollution at its source, we are protecting our miners, safeguarding our rivers and forests, and building a cleaner and more prosperous gold mining sector. This project moves Liberia closer to a future where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand in fulfillment of our NDC 3.0.”
Mercury contamination from gold mining poses severe risks to human health, water sources, soil, and ecosystems across Liberia. The largely informal nature of artisanal mining has also contributed to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and economic instability, leaving miners with limited access to formal markets and sustainable practices.
The project will deliver tangible benefits, including:
- Reduction of 50 metric tons of mercury over five years
- Restoration of 10,000 hectares of degraded land
- Avoidance of 148,000 metric tons of COâ‚‚ emissions
- Safer working conditions and improved livelihoods for 20,000 people, including 12,000 women.
Through formalisation, access to finance, clean technologies, and community engagement, this project positions Liberia to fulfill its commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals on climate, health, biodiversity, and decent work.
As part of the broader planetGOLD+ initiative, Liberia will gain from regional and global collaboration, including peer learning opportunities and access to a proven network of innovative practices from other GEF-supported countries. This collective approach not only strengthens the scalability and sustainability of national efforts but also accelerates global progress toward eliminating mercury from gold supply chains. Fully aligned with Liberia's commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the project marks a pivotal step toward building a mercury-free gold sector that balances environmental stewardship with inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media Contact:
Sonia Borrini
Climate Change & Green Growth Department
Email: s.borrini@afdb.org
About the GEF:
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilised another $153 billion for country-driven priority projects. More information at https://www.TheGEF.org/
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Liberia: Ministry of Health (MOH) Climaxes Health Sector Resource Mapping
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The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its Health Financing Unit with support from the Global Fund and Last Mile Health, has concluded a three-day Health Sector Resource Mapping, Data Cleaning, and Report Writing Workshop in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The exercise aimed to map existing health sector resources, validate and analyze data, and produce a comprehensive report to guide planning and decision-making for FY2026.
The exercise sought to provide a detailed overview of the country's health financing landscape, highlight funding gaps, and document available resources such as human capital, infrastructure, equipment, and financial flows.
The initiative is crucial for “offering clear insights into current expenditures and future financial commitments” that will strengthen health-sector budgeting and policy formulation.
Speaking on behalf of the Assistant Minister for Policy, Research and Planning, the Acting Director of Health Financing, Mr. Stephen Byepu, underscored the importance of the initiative in mobilizing new investments. “Resource Mapping and Expenditure Tracking is essential if we must explore external and additional resources for the health sector,” he said.
Also speaking at the opening, Mr. Ernest Gonyon, Technical Advisor for Health Financing at Last Mile Health, provided technical guidance, noting that the workshop offered “a clear roadmap for reviewing and improving resource mapping data.”
The participatory exercise brought together professionals from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Last Mile Health, and other relevant institutions.
Over the three days, participants conducted resource mapping to document partners' support across thematic programs, cleaned and validated key datasets, and drafted a comprehensive report summarizing available resources and support to the sector.
The findings and recommendations from the exercise will play a crucial role in strengthening Liberia's health system.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.Liberia Welcomes Team of Congolese Surgeons to Strengthen National Healthcare
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The Ministry of Health, with crucial support from The World Bank under the Institutional Foundations to Improve Service for Health (IFISH) project, announces the arrival of a specialized team of 20 surgeon doctors and lecturers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This delegation will provide critical technical services and surgical expertise to health facilities across Liberia for ten months, from November 2025 to August 2026.
This initiative marks a significant step in alleviating the medical burden on Liberia's healthcare system and enhancing specialized surgical care nationwide. The surgeons possess a wide range of specialties, including but not limited to general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and urology. In a significant development, the first contingent of 12 specialist surgeons has already arrived in Monrovia. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, alongside the senior leadership at the MOH office for a brief welcome and orientation meeting.
Following the meeting, the team conducted a familiarization tour of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, one of Liberia's premier referral hospitals, where they will begin integrating into the clinical environment.
“The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, is immensely grateful for this timely and strategic partnership,” stated Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health. “The arrival of these highly skilled Congolese surgeons is a direct response to our urgent need for specialized surgical capacity. Their expertise will not only provide immediate life-saving services to our citizens but will also facilitate vital knowledge and skills transferred to our local medical teams. This collaborative effort, supported by The World Bank, embodies our commitment to strengthening Liberia's health sector and achieving universal health coverage.”
The 12 surgeons currently in the country will be deployed with immediate effect to pre-identified hospitals and health facilities facing high surgical demand. The remaining eight surgeons are expected to arrive in Liberia within the forthcoming week.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.Liberia Launches Triple Elimination Strategy at 2025 World AIDS Day Celebration
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Today, the nation witnessed the official launch of the Triple Elimination Strategy at Capitol Hill, targeting HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. The launch of Liberia's Triple Elimination Strategy during the 2025 World AIDS Day aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B while demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening the health system and advancing national and global public health goals.
Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto delivered the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, underscoring the government's renewed obligation to expand domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and program coordination, an intervention she described as essential to safeguarding the nation's health security. “Government remains firmly committed to increasing domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and program coordination,” she declared, reaffirming the administration's push for stronger national ownership of the HIV response.
Representing the Vice President, Dr. Kpoto emphasized that Liberia must take full responsibility for the health and well-being of its people. She announced Vice President Koung's commitments on the matter: “Liberia must take full responsibility for the health and well-being of its people. I, Jeremiah K. Koung, commit to the following: strengthening domestic financing to secure the future of our HIV response; extending community-led initiatives to reach vulnerable populations and eliminate stigma; and integrating HIV services into the broader health system for sustainable lives.”
Dr. Kpoto performed the formal launch: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to officially launch the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Liberia.” She noted that Liberia has made remarkable progress in HIV testing coverage over the past seven years. Testing rates have surged from 10 percent in 2017 to nearly 90 percent in 2024, a leap that has prevented more than 1,000 newborn babies from acquiring HIV at birth. “Liberia has increased HIV testing from 10 percent in 2017 to nearly 90 percent in 2024. This means over 1,000 newborn lives have been protected from HIV,” she highlighted.
Dr. Kpoto added that the country remains committed to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes through integrated care: “We want to protect mothers and newborn babies through integrated care,” she said. She concluded with a call for collective resolve in achieving an AIDS-free future: “Ending AIDS is not an aspiration but a promise, one that requires unity, leadership, and sustained commitment.”
Delivering the day's welcome statement, Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, commended Liberia's progress in its HIV response but cautioned that the fight was far from over. “This day carries profound meaning for our country,” she said. “AIDS is a human reality, and the estimated 36,000 people living with HIV in 2025 reflect both progress and a continuing challenge. Fewer people are dying because care has improved, but inclusion from all fronts remains essential if we are to end AIDS in Liberia.”
On behalf of H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, Emma K. Appleton, a student of Zoe Louise Preparatory School, read the Proclamation, which reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to global health goals.
The document recalled that, since AIDS was first diagnosed in 1981, it has posed “a serious threat to the well-being of the human race,” and that December 1 each year is observed globally “to honor those who have lost their lives and show solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.” It noted Liberia's progress through “national policies, community-based programs, and partnerships with civil society, international donors, and healthcare professionals,” while calling for renewed efforts to strengthen health systems, promote inclusion, and protect human rights.
Meanwhile, Alieu Dia, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, speaking on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, emphasized the need for equality, inclusion, and sustained investment.
“Despite the shocks of recent years, the commitment to end AIDS as a public-health threat remains unwavering,” he said. “Communities continue to lead innovation in prevention and care. Yet stigma and inequality still block progress. Liberia's response must build local capacity and ensure that every person, no matter who they are, has access to services and the rights they deserve.”
He urged partners to “renew our commitment,” adding, “Working alongside the government and networks of people living with HIV, we can achieve an inclusive response.”
Dr. Jonathan Flomo, Program Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Program, presented an update on Liberia's clinical progress.
Citing UNAIDS data, he reported that about 36,000 Liberians are currently living with HIV. He outlined the global 95-95-95 targets for 2030: 95 percent of people living with HIV should know their status, 95 percent of those who know their status should be on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression.
“Liberia has reached 86-99-95 percent,” Dr. Flomo said proudly, noting that 32,596 people are on treatment nationwide.
He highlighted new prevention strategies: “We have introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, which helps prevent HIV infection,” he said. “We are ensuring that Injectable PrEP is available in the country to optimize HIV prevention.”
The ceremony also drew a range of speakers representing LibNeP+, LPRIDE, faith-based organizations, the United Nations, the Swedish Embassy, and the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism. Lawmakers from both the House and Senate Committees on Health pledged to strengthen healthcare funding and ensure accountability in the national HIV response.
This year's celebration was held under the global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” and re-cast nationally as “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The observance seeks to galvanize national momentum by fusing political resolve, local engagement, and sustainable investment in Liberia's HIV response.
The Ministry of Health reiterates its resolve to maintain the momentum, ensuring that Liberia not only keeps pace with global health priorities but ultimately prevails in the enduring quest to end AIDS as a public health threat.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.