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Egypt: Declining Funding Undermines Education, Health Care
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The Egyptian government has severely undermined the rights to education and health care by failing to allocate sufficient spending, falling short of constitutional obligations and international benchmarks, Human Rights Watch said today. It is failing to ensure free primary education for every child and quality health care accessible to all.
Inadequate funding has contributed to severe shortages and high costs. Egypt has a shortage of hundreds of thousands of classrooms and teachers while the health care system suffers from low salaries, an inadequate doctor-to-population ratio, and a lack of 75,000 nurses. Families pay school fees and out-of-pocket costs, a majority of health care expenses are paid out of pocket, and doctors are personally paying for essential hospital supplies.
“The Egyptian government has failed for years to adequately ensure the rights of education and health for everyone, as demonstrated by its chronic underfunding,” said Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The lack of adequate funding for health and education demonstrates the government's deep indifference toward its citizens' rights.”
Human Rights Watch analysis found that, over the past five years, education spending in Egypt has consistently decreased in inflation-adjusted terms and as a percentage of total government expenditure and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Health care spending has mostly decreased in inflation-adjusted terms but fluctuated as a percentage of total expenditure and GDP.
In fiscal year 2025-26, which began July 1, 2025, the government proposed and parliament approved an education budget of 315 billion Egyptian pounds (about US$6.3 billion), equivalent to 1.5 percent of Egypt's GDP and about 4.7 percent of government expenditure. Human Rights Watch analysis found that this is the lowest percentage of the budget allocated for education since at least 2019. In inflation-adjusted terms, Human Rights Watch found that spending on education decreased 10 percent from 2024/25 and is 39 percent lower than in 2013/14 or 2014/15, when President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came to power.
Egypt's 2014 Constitution requires the government to spend no less than 6 percent of GDP on education. Prevailing international benchmarks recommend 4 to 6 percent of GDP and at least 15 to 20 percent of public expenditure. Human Rights Watch's calculation for 2025-26 spending as a percent of GDP would place Egypt in the 12th percentile of all lower middle-income countries, spending less than 88 percent of similarly situated countries.
The current year's health budget of 245 billion pounds (about $4.9 billion) is equivalent to just 1.1 percent of Egypt's GPD and 3.6 percent of total government expenditure. Human Rights Watch found that the budgets from 2021/22 to 2025/26 fluctuated between 1 and 1.4 percent of GDP, never reaching even half the minimum 3 percent the constitution requires.
After adjusting for inflation, health spending in 2025/26 is only 2 percent higher than the prior year and remains 4 percent lower than in 2022/23. When taking population growth into account, per person spending is flat over the last three years.
Egypt's health spending is also significantly below international benchmarks. The Abuja Declaration of 2001, which Egypt signed, included a pledge to allocate 15 percent of government expenditure to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimatedthat providing universal health coverage, an important element of the right to health, generally requires governments to spend at least 5 to 6 percent of their GDP on health care, four to five times Egypt's current allocation. Egypt adopted a landmark Universal Health Insurance Lawin 2018, which aims to achieve full coverage by 2030.
As in prior years, the government falsely claimed that its 2025/26 budget met constitutional spending minimums for health and education by including extraneous budget lines, such as debt servicing, in its calculations. In 2022, Egypt spent more than twice as much servicing its external public debt per capita than it spent on health care.
Human Rights Watch has previously found that Egypt's declining funding is severely undermining education, raising significant human rights concerns. The government has acknowledged shortages of hundreds of thousands of teachers and classrooms. Public schools charge nominal fees, waived for some low income students, violating Egypt's obligation under the constitution and international human rights law to provide free primary education.
In 2019, families with children in school spent an average of 10.4 percent of their income on school-related costs. Due to the poor quality of chronically underfunded public education, many higher-income parents pay for private lessons and tutoring, worsening wealth-based inequality.
Egypt's underfunded health care system similarly faces significant challenges and the country's declining trends on several important health care indicators raise significant concerns for the right to health.
The health care system suffers chronic and severe shortages of resources. Doctors have reported paying out of pocket for essential hospital supplies like gloves and sutures. President Sisi in recent years acknowledged that salaries for doctors at public health care facilities, set by the government, are inadequate to retain qualified staff, citing a lack of resources.
Low public health care funding contributes to the growing number of nurses and doctors leaving the country, further undermining the availability of health care services. According to the Doctors' Syndicate, 11,536 doctors resigned from working in the public sector between 2019 and March 2022. Approximately 7,000 Egyptian doctors emigrated to work abroad in 2023 alone.
Egypt's doctor-to-population ratio was 6.71 for every 10,000 people in 2020, well below the WHO's minimum recommendation of 10. An independent 2024 study of Egyptian doctors working abroad found that low remuneration, poor working conditions, and a lack of medical equipment and supplies pushed them to leave. Egypt also has a shortage of 75,000 nurses, according to the head of the Nursing Syndicate.
The WHO estimated that more than 57 percent of health care expenses in Egypt were paid out of pocket in 2023. Out-of-pocket costs worsen health care inequalities by creating barriers to accessing health care based on the ability to pay. In 2024, President Sisi ratified law 87 on health facilities, which allows private investors to manage and operate public hospitals, a form of privatization, without imposing regulations to ensure universal access to these hospitals, such as by setting price caps.
Human Rights Watch wrote to the Egyptian ministries of education and health on December 22, 2025, to share its findings but did not receive a response.
The rights to education and health care are enshrined in international law, including in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, all of which Egypt has ratified.
Egypt has an obligation to take deliberate, concrete, and targeted steps to the maximum of its available resources to fulfil economic, social, and cultural rights. Egypt should guarantee free primary education and should also ensure high-quality health care is universally accessible for all, regardless of one's ability to pay.
Deliberate retrogressive measures, such as Egypt's reduction in spending on key elements affecting the rights of education and health care, are presumptively a violation of its obligations unless fully justified. Under international law, Egypt also has an obligation to protect the right to health by ensuring that privatization in the health sector does not pose threats to the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health care.
“By systematically failing to meet constitutional spending requirements for education and health for many years, the government is neglecting the very sectors that would enable citizens to live with dignity and for the economy to thrive,” Magdi said. “This years-long failure shows that the government's talk of social and economic rights is essentially lip service.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).APO Group Congratulates Clients and Partners Named on New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans List
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, congratulates its clients and partners recognised by New African magazine on the 2025 “100 Most Influential Africans” list, including Afreximbank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation, the Roman Catholic Church, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Energy Chamber, the Merck Foundation, and the UN Global Compact, as well as all honourees recognised for their leadership and impact on Africa's progress.
The New African list serves as a leading benchmark of influence across the continent, highlighting individuals and institutions whose work significantly contributes to Africa's economic growth, social development, and global standing.
APO Group celebrates the accomplishments of its clients and partners, whose leadership, innovation, and resilience continue to drive Africa's advancement across finance, energy, healthcare, public health, faith-based leadership, and international cooperation.
In finance and development, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, whose decade-long tenure concluded in October 2025, are recognised for their leadership in strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is honoured for his role in financing development and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, is noted for his contribution to Africa's infrastructure development and economic transformation.
In the business category, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, is recognised for advancing Africa's energy agenda and championing pragmatic, Africa-led energy solutions. Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, is honoured for her transformative leadership in expanding healthcare access, education, and medical capacity building across Africa.
Faith-based leadership is also recognised, with the Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, acknowledged through its institutional leadership for its long-standing contribution to education, healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, and community support across the continent.
In the public health category, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is recognised for his decisive leadership in strengthening Africa's health security architecture. Under his stewardship, Africa CDC has enhanced epidemic preparedness, coordinated continental responses to public health emergencies, and reinforced Africa's capacity to respond to an era increasingly shaped by complex and persistent health threats.
In the public and international cooperation category, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chief Executive Officer of the UN Global Compact, is recognised for advancing sustainable development, responsible business practices, and global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, who was himself named on the New African “100 Most Influential Africans” list in both 2024 and 2025, said:
“We are proud to see our clients and partners recognised for their impact across business, finance, healthcare, faith-based institutions, public health, and international cooperation. APO Group is honoured to serve as a communications partner to organisations and leaders driving meaningful change across the continent, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognised worldwide.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Eritrea: Meeting to Enhance Public Awareness
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The Southern Red Sea Region branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women held a meeting with the public and Government workers in the port city of Assab on 3 January, aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and awareness among its members.
At the meeting, Ms. Sa'adia Ibrahim, head of the union branch, reported that the union, beyond ensuring the rights of women, has conducted commendable activities in the eradication of harmful practices, enhancing female participation in education, and organizing vocational training programs with a view to enabling women to become self-supporting and productive members of society.
Ms. Sa'adia went on to say that encouraging female students to properly pursue their education and become competitive students is one of the priority activities of the union branch. She also called on parents to support their children.
In related news, the Assab sub-zone administration conducted an activity assessment meeting of 2025. At the meeting, reports were presented on achievements registered and challenges encountered. The meeting was attended by representatives from the three administrative areas of the sub-zone.
Mr. Berhane Kidane, acting administrator of the sub-zone, said that 80% of the 2025 plan of action has been implemented.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.President Dr. Patrick Herminie Holds Talks with Island Conservation Society on the Future of Seychelles’ Islands, Including Assumption Island
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President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, today received a courtesy call at State House from representatives of the Island Conservation Society (ICS), as the organisation celebrates 25 years of dedicated conservation work in Seychelles.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Society, Mr. Adrian Skerrett, reflected on a quarter-century of achievement, tracing ICS's journey from its early beginnings to its current standing as a trusted national partner in environmental stewardship. The meeting was held in the presence of the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Ms. Marie-May Jérémie.
Discussions centred on ICS's ongoing conservation programmes, including island restoration, biodiversity protection and community engagement initiatives. The delegation also briefed the President on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken for Assumption Island, underscoring the value of rigorous scientific analysis and careful assessment in informing sustainable development decisions.
The meeting further noted the establishment of an Inter-Sectoral Environmental Task Force by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, tasked with coordinating urgent environmental actions for Assumption Island and addressing related matters concerning Aldabra. The Task Force will be chaired by Minister Jérémie, with Dr. Nirmal Shah, Special Advisor in the President's Office, serving as Deputy Chair. Its mandate includes undertaking comprehensive biodiversity assessment and strengthening biosecurity planning and measures.
Minister Jérémie noted that the Islands Development Company, the Seychelles Islands Foundation, the Planning Authority, the Principal Secretary for Lands, the Biosecurity authorities, and other relevant agencies and partners — including ICD — will also be invited to participate in the task force.
Funding challenges affecting conservation efforts across different islands were also discussed, alongside the need to attract and retain qualified conservation professionals to support research and long-term environmental monitoring.
ICS currently employs 40 staff members, the majority of whom are engaged in conservation and monitoring activities across the outer islands. A significant proportion of these staff are expatriates. The organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time and expertise.
Despite its achievements, ICS continues to face challenges related to the shortage of qualified personnel and its reliance on external expertise to sustain conservation work on the islands.
President Herminie congratulated the Island Conservation Society on its 25th anniversary, commending its professionalism, consistency and enduring commitment to safeguarding Seychelles' natural heritage. He then reaffirmed Government's commitment to continued collaboration with civil society organisations in advancing the country's environmental protection and sustainability agenda.
Founded in 2001, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) spearheads island conservation in Seychelles through science, education, and community engagement. The organisation focuses on the conservation and restoration of island ecosystems, the sustainable development of islands, and raising awareness of their vulnerability and critical role in global biodiversity. ICS currently operates programmes on eight islands, implementing key initiatives such as invasive species eradication, species reintroductions, and support for national conservation policies.
Other members of the ICS delegation included Mr. Pat Mathiot, Member of Council and Board of Trustees, Mr. Norman Weber, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jean-Paul D'Offay, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Greg Berke, Director of Science and Conservation, and Ms. Emma Mederic, Senior Science and Conservation Officer
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.Merck Foundation Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and 14 First Ladies inaugurate the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother' campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.
Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”
The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:
- H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
- H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
- H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
- H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
- H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
- H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
- H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
- H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
- H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
- H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
- H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
- H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
- H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2500 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”
“During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2500 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women's health”, she further added.
During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012.
On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.
The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.
The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.
Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is 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/4q2rvZt), X (https://apo-opa.co/45qH1pP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4q47diw) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4q3lFqM).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3LaSlQa), X (https://apo-opa.co/4qm5RzT), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jsY14Q) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4qm5Qfj).
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 doctors from 52 Countries in more than 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 Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
- 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
- Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
- 9 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese
- 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
- Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
- 1040+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies
- 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4q2rvZt
X: https://apo-opa.co/45qH1pP
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4q3lFqM
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4q47diw
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3N47XFC
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49ApldU
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/44SJjhm
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/4q2rvZt), X (https://apo-opa.co/45qH1pP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4q47diw), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4q3lFqM), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3N47XFC) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49ApldU).
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.
Senator Rasha Kelej (Ret.) received Kenya First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss their joint programs...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I am proud to share that provided 244 scholarships for local Kenyan doctors in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility & Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more. And around 50% of these scholarships are provided to female healthcare providers which is a great milestone of women empowerment.”
H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. Together, we are strengthening and transforming our public healthcare landscape, through the 244 scholarships provided for our doctors. This is an extraordinary milestone that will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare across our nation.
Additionally, we are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 47 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) receiving H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6
On day 2 of the Summit, 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 and Asian 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/44UAUdc
Together with Kenya First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 224 scholarships for young doctors in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of the 244 scholarships:
- 123 scholarships have been provided for one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology for Kenyan doctors from different provinces across the country. Upon completion of their training, many Merck Foundation Alumni have gone on to open their own specialized clinics. These experts not only provide much-needed care, but also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the prevention and early signs of diabetes.
- 10 Scholarships have been provided for Oncology to develop and support the cancer care capacity in the country, a very critical speciality considering the increasing number of the cancer patients in the country and the continent.
- 46 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, and one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, as a part of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign.
- Moreover, 64 Scholarships of one-year Online PG Diploma and two-Year Master degree provided in many other critical and underserved specialties like Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more, as part of their Capacity Advancement Program.
Overall, Merck Foundation has so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties.
“We have always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and have been working for it since 2012. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Kenya and the rest of the Africa and beyond", added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.
Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark's Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks will soon also be launched in Swahili language.
The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44YNHLH), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LkioEy), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4aJg8B9), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aJNHCZ).
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 more than 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 Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese
• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
• 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 Million Followers.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib
X: https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/44UJF7d
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/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).
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 advances implementation of amended International Health Regulations
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The Government of Liberia has taken a key step towards implementing the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) following the signing of a national declaration of commitment after a three-day national technical workshop held in Monrovia from 15–17 December 2025, with support from World Health Organization (WHO).
The workshop brought together 80 multisectoral experts from government institutions, partner organizations, academia and civil society to review the amended regulations and agree on national steps for domestication. The process concluded with the signing and endorsement of a national declaration outlining Liberia's commitment to implementing the amended International Health Regulations.
During the policy and domestication session on 18 December 2025, Dr Sia Wata Camanor, Chair of the One Health Technical Committee and Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), presented the agreed steps for domestication, including institutional arrangements and an implementation roadmap. These were formally endorsed by senior ministers and signed by His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
In his closing remarks, Vice President Koung, who also serves as Chair of the One Health Steering Committee, expressed appreciation for WHO's continued support and emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordinated leadership in addressing public health threats.
“Public health threats do not respect borders.Therefore, preparedness, coordination and decisive leadership are essential to protecting lives and development,” he said.
He noted that reaffirming Liberia's commitment to the International Health Regulations (2005), as amended in 2024, reflects national ownership of health security responsibilities and lessons learned from past and ongoing public health emergencies.
The vice president highlighted the designation of the Ministry of Health as the National International Health Regulations Authority and NPHIL as the National International Health Regulations focal point, noting that this clarification strengthens accountability and enables timely, high-level decision-making.
“This declaration reflects Liberia's resolve to align national laws and preparedness plans with the amended Regulations, strengthen multisectoral coordination through a One Health approach, and invest in surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce capacity and sustainable domestic financing,” he said.
Vice President Koung also underscored Liberia's decision not to opt out of the 2024 amendments, reaffirming the country's commitment to solidarity, transparency and shared responsibility, while ensuring that implementation remains guided by constitutional processes, national priorities and sovereign interests.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Olushayo Oluseun Olu, WHO Representative to Liberia, commended the country's resilience in responding to recent health emergencies, including COVID-19, mpox and other emerging public health threats.
“The amendments adopted by the World Health Assembly were shaped by the real experiences of countries, including Liberia, over the past two decades,” Dr Olu said. “They respond to the need for clearer national authority, stronger coordination across government and faster, more decisive action when public health threats emerge.”
He added that Liberia's commitment to domesticating the amended International Health Regulations and strengthening coordination through a One Health approach demonstrates strong national ownership of its health security agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Musa Abdullahi, Acting Country Director, said the key areas of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) are aligned with Africa CDC's continental priorities.
“Africa CDC will support Liberia in strengthening its core capacities for preparedness and response,” Dr Abdullahi said.
Other speakers at the event included representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, the Civil Service Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as development partners, academia, civil society organizations and the media.
The International Health Regulations (2005), revised in 2024, are a legally binding global framework that guides 196 countries to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks that may spread internationally, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.
WHO continues to support Liberia through legal, policy and operational assistance, capacity-building and multisectoral collaboration. The amended International Health Regulations provide an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen disease surveillance, modernize emergency response systems, reinforce laboratory networks and advance implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security, in line with national priorities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Liberia.Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and São Tomé & Príncipe First Lady discussed their joint programs to advance healthcare capacity and Break Infertility...
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. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) emphasized “It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Oncology and Diabetes Care.
Moreover, I am very happy that she plans to broadcast our animation films in Portuguese on the national TV stations. This will significantly help raise awareness about important social and health issues in an informative and engaging way.”
H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” shared, “It is a great honor to be part of the 12th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary and to meet my dear sisters African First Ladies and Dr. Rasha Kelej. We have introduced in our country the “Educating Linda and Lindo” program, which is very close to my heart as it provides an opportunity to deserving but under privileged children to reach their full potential and thrive in life. Together, we are providing annual scholarships for 40 best performing but underprivileged schoolgirls and boys till they graduate.
Moreover, I want to share that I liked the Merck Foundation Animation Films, and we will soon air them on our national TV stations. I strongly believe that our people will enjoy these films and greatly benefit from their important social and health messages”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Lrg9PK
“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships for doctors from Sao Tome and beyond,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
On Day 1 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 to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research.
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/493cDEh
Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe has also conducted 2 editions of Online Health Media Training to emphasize on the critical role of media in addressing critical social and health issues.
Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, Merck Foundation has also launched children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark's Pressure”. The storybooks launched in Portuguese language, address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks have been launched in Portuguese language.
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/495r8HG), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YnUg6T), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4jpKRFy), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4bbLy35).
Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4ss8gKO
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
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS
X: http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/49BDO9l
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/49k95wa
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49BHtUA
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 (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/49BDO9l) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/49k95wa).
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.
Dr. Rasha Kelej meets Central Africa First Lady & 6 First Ladies of Africa at 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary
Merck Foundation (https://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. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Lady of Central Africa, H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed that “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central Africa and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” to the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025. Our long-term partnership began in 2015, and since then, we have achieved great milestones together. We have provided scholarships for young doctors from CAR in Oncology and Diabetes.”
H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” shared “I greatly value our partnership with Merck Foundation that is since 2015, to support us to advance and build the healthcare capacity in our country by providing scholarships to our local doctors in various medical specialties. Through my Ambassadorship, we have worked to break the stigma around infertility, which causes many women to face discrimination and social exclusion. We have also raised awareness about male infertility.
Also, as a part of Merck Foundation's Education Linda program, we are providing annual scholarships to 40 bright yet under-privileged schoolgirls, to enable them to complete their education, and reach their full potential.”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4peLRxH
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4b9X66X
On Day 1 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 to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research.
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/3L8EtG6
Merck Foundation, in partnership with The First Lady of Central Africa also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards for Media Representatives, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields. The aim of awards is to encourage young talents and youth in Central Africa to create and convey messages in their art and daily work to create awareness about sensitive issues like Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Women Empowerment at all levels and raise awareness about early detection & prevention of Diabetes & Hypertension.
Moreover, Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of Central Africa, has also conducted 4 editions of their Online Health Media Training to encourage media to be the voice of the voiceless and raise awareness.
Merck Foundation and The First Lady of Central Africa have released together seven storybooks to address the social and health issues among children from a young age, nurturing a culture of awareness and empathy. Moreover, these storybooks have been adapted into very interesting animation films, to raise awareness among both the youth and adults.
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4spxiKw), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pjvaRB), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/45yW4xI), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3MZpEX2).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3L9eePS), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jjHVKx), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qBy85a), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3YjBkpN).
Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4jtS9Z2
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.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4spxiKw
X: https://apo-opa.co/4pjvaRB
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3YjBkpN
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4qBy85a
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4jky873
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49vivq1
Website: https://Merck-Foundation.com/
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4plkhPo
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 https://Merck-Foundation.com/ to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4spxiKw), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pjvaRB), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qBy85a), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3YjBkpN), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4jky873) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49vivq1).
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.
Eritrea: National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) activity assessment meeting
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The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students conducted an activity assessment meeting for 2025 and discussion on the plan of action for 2026 from 26 to 28 December in Asmara.
According to reports presented at the meeting, effective programs have been carried out in administrations and schools to enhance political and organizational capacity, as well as the participation of youth and students; to develop students' interest and motivation in education; and to strengthen social awareness and productivity.
A detailed report was also presented on programs to which the union gives due attention, focusing on civic training programs, political seminars, organizational weeks, festivals of higher education institutions, the ‘Keiahti Embaba' organization week, and encouragement of outstanding students, among others.
Extensive discussion was also conducted regarding ‘youth centers' and their contribution to enhancing awareness, creativity, health, and other youth-related issues.
The participants also adopted various recommendations, including strengthening youth- and student-centered awareness-raising programs; developing the ‘Keiahti Embaba' organization; organizing training programs with a view to enhancing the overall capacity of youth; organizing programs to enhance innovation and creativity among youth; as well as conducting seminars and other promotional activities in line with resilience and development programs.
Noting that the commendable implementation of the programs was the result of active participation by parents, the community, Government and PFDJ institutions, as well as youth and students themselves, Mr. Salah Ahmedin, Chairman of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, said that programs aimed at enhancing the participation and contribution of youth and students will be organized down to the level of area administrations.
Mr. Yosuf Saiq, head of Organizational Affairs of the PFDJ, on his part called on the union to finalize its five-year strategic plan and strive for its effective implementation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
