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Merck Foundation and African and Asian First Ladies released “Ray of Hope” in Three Languages to Raise Awareness on Cancer Early Detection and prevention...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, released a new children's storybook and its animation film adaptation titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, with a special focus on early detection, prevention and access to quality cancer care specially in childhood cancer. The storybook and animation film were launched by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting. The MFFLI Committee Meeting was organized as part of the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, which took place in The Gambia.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very proud to release today our new children's storybook and animation film on cancer awareness, in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies.
While Childhood cancer is one of the most difficult journeys, not only for young patients but also for their families and communities. Yet, with early detection and timely treatment, there is a good chance of recovery and the possibility of a long and healthier future as majority of Pediatric cancer are treatable. Therefore, I made sure that providing scholarships of cancer care for African healthcare providers is a main part of our strategy. Not only this but also to focus on Pediatric oncology training as much as we can.”
“Our storybook, “Ray of Hope” highlights this objective via sharing the journey of a young girl named Hope, who faces cancer with courage, resilience, and, above all, hope. The story also raises awareness about the importance of having access to a well-trained cancer care team to recognize early warning signs which you will know about when you read this storybook. These signs should never be ignored, as early detection saves lives,” she added.
Read ‘Ray of Hope' storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/3YFto2a
Watch ‘Ray of Hope' animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4pTEQDz
Cancer is now a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with the disease among the three leading causes of premature death.
Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “It is important to note that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated if diagnosed early, and as many as one-third can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, lifestyle-related causes, and more. The story raises awareness about the importance of early detection and having access to a well-trained cancer care team to recognize early warning signs. “
As a part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation provided 239 scholarships for healthcare providers from 35 countries as per the following;
Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.
Moreover, Merck Foundation provides one year and two year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
“We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first Oncologists and building the first cancer care teams in several nations, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve.” Dr. Kelej added.
Merck Foundation has over all provided more than 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
“The storybook and animation film are currently available on our social media and website and will be distributed soon in our partner countries. I believe that education through storytelling and animation is a powerful tool to build a more informed, empathetic, and healthier generation,” added Dr. Kelej.
The storybooks will have a special message from Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, and African and Asian First Ladies for their respective countries. Each storybook will be available in three languages English, French and Portuguese. The copies of these books will be distributed to young readers.
Merck Foundation together with Agrican and Asian first Ladies has previously launched several storybooks and their adapted animation films addressing various health and social issues like ‘More Than a Mother' to break infertility stigma; ‘Jackline's Rescue' to focus on the importance of Girls' Education and highlight the immoral practices of society including child marriage and the dowry system; ‘Educating Linda' & ‘Ride into The Future' to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education; ‘Not Who You Are' to teach boys to love and respect their future wives and eliminate domestic violence and ‘Sugar Free Jude' for Diabetes Awareness, ‘Mark's Pressure' for Hypertension Awareness.
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
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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/4qiZiNL), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pcT8xH), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3Y9BBvr), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4saeJtz), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/49g41t0) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44HSLE7).
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.
New African Magazine of United Kingdom (UK) recognizes Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Rasha Kelej as One of ‘100 Most Influential Africans...
- The President of Angola, H.E. JOÃOLOURENÇO, The President of South Africa, H.E. CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, The President of Ghana, H.E. JOHN MAHAMA and Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej recognized amongst the 100 Most influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine, UK.
- Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO recognized for the seventh consecutive year as one of 100 most Influential African. 2025 recognition is by New African Magazine of UK, along side president of Angola, Ghana and South Africa.
- The list of 100 Most Influential Africans 2025is made up of prominent African Leaders in different sectors such as Public office, Business, Technology, Change Makers, Thinkers and Opinion Shapers, Creative and Sports influencing the communities and sectors with their inspirational work.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans, by the prestigious New African Magazine (UK).
The special edition spotlights the individuals shaping Africa's present and future. The publication's correspondents and collaborators have scanned the length and breadth of the continent to identify 2025's human gems—leaders, innovators, and change-makers whose influence and impact continue to drive transformation across Africa and beyond.
Speaking about the recognition, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am deeply honoured to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African (UK), and to be named alongside the esteemed leaders of our continent, including the Presidents of Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, as well as many other change makers. Congratulations to all.”
She further emphasized, “This recognition is very special to me, as it acknowledges my continued efforts to build and strengthen healthcare capacity, empower women living with infertility, and support girl education through our Merck Foundation programs. It only encourage me and motivate me and my team to strengthen our commitment to continue my efforts to create lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come.”
Under Dr. Rasha Kelej ‘s leadership, Merck Foundation has been running impactful programs like their “Scholaship Program for Healthcare Providers” to transform the patient care landscape and improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in Africa and beyond; their signature “More Than a Mother” movement that she created in 2015 to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma, Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention & Male Infertility, and Support Girl Education; and “Educating Linda” program to support girl education.
Over the past 13 years, Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” in their countries, to lead their programs and key partners including Ministries of Health, Information, Education & Gender, Academia, Policymakers, International Fertility Societies, Media and Art from over 52 countries.
“I am delighted to share that we have provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries, across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. I am proud that many of our alumni have become, or are on their way to becoming, the first specialists in their respective countries. We are building a lasting legacy in Africa.” She added.
Through the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign which is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset, Dr. Kelej has been working closely with partners to create a culture shift and transforming fertility care and women health landscape in public health nationwide in 42 African and Asia countries.
“We have provided out of the 2500 scholarships, 770 scholarships for healthcare providers from 42 countries, of clinical training of Fertility care and Embryology, and One year PG Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine. These specialists are critical to advance quality and equitable women health in general and reproductive and fertility care in particular.” Senator, Rasha Kelej explained.
Moreover, Merck Foundation has also supported childless women by helping them start their own small businesses through “Empowering Berna” program.
“It is all about giving every woman the respect and support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child, she added.
Moreover, Dr. Kelej is a strong advocate for Education as one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. Therefore, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation provided year to date more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. Countries such as; across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and other.
Dr. Rasha Kelej is a trailblazer whose vision and dedication have transformed lives across Africa. She is celebrated for her pioneering initiatives that tackle some of the continent's most pressing social and health challenges like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, gender-based violence & female genital mutilation, and advancing women's empowerment.
Through her remarkable leadership, Dr. Kelej has united the media, fashion, and arts communities to be the voice of the voiceless. Her unique initiatives including a Pan-African TV program, Health Media Training, Annual Awards for best media, song, fashion design and film, awareness songs, children's storybooks, and animations films have created a culture shift in communities.
A true visionary, Dr. Kelej inspires and educates over 8.5 million social media followers, keeping them engaged with empowering and awareness content. Her tireless commitment, innovative approach, and unwavering passion continue to reshape the social and health landscape, leaving a legacy of hope, empowerment, and progress across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of for Africa.Social Media:
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3YGnzSc
Sentor, Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3MUVYKo
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/44DQXvT
For more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Youth Charter Launches “From Luanda to Legacy”: A Global Campus Campaign for Africa’s Youth – beyond the 4th African Youth Games
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The Youth Charter Community Campus (www.YouthCharter.org), the global movement using sport, culture and digital innovation for social development and peace, today announces the launch of its “From Luanda to Legacy” Global Campus Campaign, aligned with the 4th African Youth Games and extending far beyond the Closing Ceremony.
Hosted in Angola across Luanda and five additional cities, the 4th African Youth Games represent a defining moment for Africa's young people. Taking place in the year Angola marks 50 years of independence, the Games unite youth from across the continent in a powerful expression of solidarity, aspiration and African identity.
The Youth Charter calls on African institutions, governments, National Olympic Committees, corporate partners, development agencies and global allies to seize this moment, not just to celebrate sport, but to secure a lasting legacy for Africa's next generation.
From Games to Global Legacy
The “From Luanda to Legacy” campaign positions the African Youth Games as a launchpad for long-term youth and community development, embedding sport within education, health, culture, enterprise and digital inclusion.
“Africa's youth deserve more than moments of inspiration. They deserve systems, spaces and opportunities that endure,” said Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter.
“This campaign is about converting continental celebration into community impact — from Luanda to every village, township and city across Africa.”
The Youth Charter Global Campus Vision
At the heart of the campaign is the Youth Charter Global Community Campus model, a proven framework that transforms sporting moments into permanent community assets.
Key Legacy Commitments
1. African Youth Community Campuses
- Repurposing Games and training facilities into inclusive Community Campuses
- Integrated provision of sport, education, arts, health and enterprise
- Safe spaces for young people to learn, lead and innovate year-round
2. Youth Leadership & Pathways
- Leadership forums and mentorship programmes linked to the Games
- Clear pathways from African Youth Games → Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games → global opportunity
- Empowering athletes as community leaders and role models
3. Digital Africa Youth Platform
- Connecting young people across borders through digital learning, coaching and storytelling
- Pan-African youth dialogue rooted in Olympic values, peace and social cohesion
- Building a connected ecosystem of youth, educators and partners
4. Economic & Social Impact
- Youth employment and skills development in sport, media, technology and events
- Support for youth-led enterprises in sport, culture and tourism
- Health, wellbeing and inclusion programmes targeting the most marginalised communities.
A Call to African & Global Partners
The Youth Charter invites African and international partners to co-create this legacy through:
- Public–private partnerships
- CSR and ESG-aligned investment
- Education and skills collaboration
- Infrastructure and digital innovation
- Monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting aligned to the UN SDGs
This campaign aligns directly with:
- African Union Agenda 2063
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
- UN Youth 2030 Strategy
- IOC Olympism 365
- Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) frameworks
Beyond Luanda - A Continental Movement
“From Luanda to Legacy” is not confined to one host nation or one event. It is a pan-African and global movement, designed to:
- Strengthen youth ecosystems across Africa
- Build resilient communities through sport
- Position African youth at the heart of global development and peacebuilding
“Africa's greatest legacy will not be medals won, but lives transformed,” Thompson added. “Together, we can ensure the African Youth Games are remembered as the moment Africa chose legacy over spectacle.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.For Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement:
Youth Charter – Community Campus
www.YouthCharter.org
contact@youthcharter.org
Follow the Campaign:
#FromLuandaToLegacy
#YouthCharter
#AfricaYouth
#SportForDevelopment
#Olympism365
#International Olympic Committee
#Olympism
#Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals
About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.
Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
African Development Fund mobilises a historic $11 billion, marking a new era of African ownership and investment-led development
The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), has secured a record $11 billion from 43 Partners for its 17th Replenishment (ADF-17), the largest in the Fund's history, despite severe global fiscal constraints and declining aid budgets.
The outcome represents a 23% increase over the previous replenishment and sends a clear signal of confidence in Africa's development prospects, the African Development Bank Group's leadership, and a new development model centred on investment, risk-sharing, and scale.
“This is not just a replenishment,” said Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. “It is a turning point. In one of the most difficult global environments for development finance, our partners chose ambition over retrenchment, and investment over inertia.”
Africa steps forward as a co-investor in its own future
For the first time in the Fund's history, 23 African countries have made unprecedented contributions to their own concessional financing window.
A total of $182.7 million was pledged by African countries, with 19 countries contributing for the first time, alongside long-standing regional contributors. This represents a five-fold increase compared to the previous replenishment.
“This is not symbolic,” Dr Ould Tah said. “This is transformational. Africa is no longer only a beneficiary of concessional finance. Africa is a co-investor in its own future.”
From aid to investment: a new financial era for concessional finance
ADF-17 marks a structural shift in how concessional resources will be used. Partners endorsed a new financial model that allows the African Development Fund to:
- Leverage its balance sheet, including through a Market Borrowing Option to be operationalised during this cycle;
- Deploy innovative instruments, including hybrid capital;
- Use concessional finance strategically to absorb risk, crowd in private capital, and catalyse investment at scale.
Each dollar invested through the Fund already unlocks more than $2.50 in co-financing and private capital, a ratio expected to increase further under the new model.
“This allows concessional finance to do what it must do best,” Dr Ould Tah said: “Absorb risk, unlock private investment, and accelerate development at scale.”
New generation of large-scale partnerships
ADF-17 also anchors, for the first time, large-scale concessional co-financing partnerships alongside the Fund.
Development finance partners announced major commitments, including:
- Up to $800 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA);
- Up to $2 billion from the OPEC Fund for International Development.
These partnerships signal the launch of a new generation of scaled, risk-sharing collaboration, significantly strengthening the Fund's ability to deliver transformational projects in the most challenging environments.
Delivering impact where it matters most
Resources mobilised under ADF-17 will support 37 low-income and fragile African countries, with a focus on:
- Expanding access to energy;
- Strengthening food systems and food security;
- Investing in human capital;
- Advancing regional integration and trade;
- Building resilient infrastructure.
Targeted support will continue for countries facing fragility and vulnerability, including through the Transition Support Facility.
A global signal of confidence
Co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Ghana, the London pledging session concluded a year-long replenishment process conducted amid exceptional global uncertainty.
Baroness Jenny Chapman, the United Kingdom's Minister of State for International Development and Africa, said: “The UK is proud to co-host the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund alongside the Republic of Ghana. We have a long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank and support it in driving sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent – for the benefit of the UK and our African partners.”
Thomas Nyarko Amprem, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Finance, said: “The African Development Fund is a strategic instrument of the African Development Bank Group to reduce vulnerability on the continent.”
“The success of ADF-17 confirms strong international confidence in the Fund's strategic direction and in Africa's potential to deliver results at scale,” Dr Ould Tah said. “This replenishment goes beyond aid. It is a strategic investment, with measurable returns in stability, growth, trade, and global resilience.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media Contacts:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Fund:
Established in 1972, the African Development Fund has provided more than $45 billion in grants, concessional loans, and guarantees to Africa's lowest-income countries. It remains a cornerstone of African-led multilateral development finance and a central instrument of the African Development Bank Group's mission to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
The National Football League (NFL) Announces International Player Pathway Program Class of 2026
The NFL (www.NFL.com) has announced its International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2026, featuring 13 athletes representing 10 nations around the world.
Established in 2017, the IPP program identifies elite global talent with the aim of providing selected athletes with the opportunity to improve and develop their skills and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. Historically, it has welcomed athletes from a range of sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, Gaelic football, track & field and more.
The International Player Pathway Program Class of 2026 includes:
|
PLAYER |
COUNTRY |
|
Kaia Clarkin |
Australia, New Zealand |
|
Kaylan Faumui |
Australia, Samoa |
|
Jarrod Gray |
Australia, New Zealand |
|
Felix Lepper |
Germany |
|
Kansei Matsuzawa |
Japan |
|
Joshua Weru |
Kenya |
|
Laekin Vakalahi |
Australia, New Zealand |
|
Collins Arogunjo |
Nigeria |
|
Uar Bernard |
Nigeria |
|
Michael Daramola |
Nigeria |
|
Chibuike Madu |
Nigeria |
|
Anjola Oketola |
Nigeria |
|
Seydou Traore |
Algeria, Ivory Coast, United Kingdom |
“We're thrilled to welcome a new group of talented international athletes to the 2026 IPP program,” said NFL Director of International Football Development Patrick Long. “The IPP program is a key component of the growth of our game globally, providing a pathway for these elite athletes, a number of whom have gone on to achieve tremendous success in the NFL and beyond. We wish the Class of 2026 the very best of luck as they get to work next month and look forward to following their progress in the new year.”
Starting in January 2026, athletes in the program are invited to train in American football — both on the field and in the classroom for 10 weeks at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida, before showcasing their skills in front of NFL club scouts.
The IPP program is part of a long-term commitment by the NFL and its 32 clubs to accelerate global football development efforts and establish a pathway for international talent to play the game at the highest level.
Players can be signed as free agents or, if eligible, selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club's offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players. At that time, qualifying international players are eligible to be signed to a 17th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams.
Following its inception, 70 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as free agents), with 22 IPP athletes currently on NFL rosters. Since 2017, eleven of these players have been elevated to active rosters including: Jordan Mailata (Australia), Jakob Johnson (Germany), Efe Obada (United Kingdom), Sammis Reyes (Chile), Thomas Odukoya (Netherlands), David Bada (Germany), Charlie Smyth (Ireland), TJ Maguranyanga (Zimbabwe), Mapalo “Maz” Mwansa (UK / Zambia), CJ Okoye (Nigeria), Haggai Ndubuisi (Nigeria).
For more information visit: https://apo-opa.co/48FLzLf.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).International Player Pathway Program Appendix:
International Player Definition: A qualifying International Player (IP) is defined as a player whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who has a maximum of two years of United States high school experience. In addition, an IP must: (i) satisfy all NFL player eligibility rules; and (ii) have been eligible for a prior NFL Draft. An IP can also play any position, including kicker or punter.
Relevant IPP Program Rules: Each of the 32 NFL clubs can fill a 17th roster spot on the practice squad with a qualifying international player. A player may be an International Practice Player for a maximum of three (3) seasons, with a season defined as being on the Practice Squad or Active/Inactive List for at least six games (a bye week counts as a game). After an IP's third season as an International Practice Player, the player remains eligible to be signed to a club's Active/Inactive List or Practice Squad subject to standard roster rules (i.e., Standard, Exception, Veteran player).