In partnership with the Government of Tanzania, the conference celebrates the 7th anniversary of the Merck Foundation’s impactful journey to strengthen healthcare capacity, support girls’ education, and address infertility stigma.
Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, inaugurated the event at the Johari Rotana Hotel, underscoring Tanzania’s commitment to these pressing issues.
Drawing together more than 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, and health media from over 70 countries, the conference offered both in-person and virtual sessions. These sessions, led by top international experts, covered critical topics including diabetes, oncology, reproductive health, cardiovascular care and paediatrics.
During the high-level conference, First Ladies across Africa and Asia took the stage in a panel discussion, sharing powerful stories of impact and presenting strategic solutions for building healthcare capacity in underserved specialities. Each First Lady highlighted unique achievements and challenges within their countries, focusing on improving healthcare, advancing girl education, and breaking social stigmas related to infertility.
Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and chairperson of the Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary, expressed her gratitude in her welcoming remarks. She thanked the President of Tanzania for her support, acknowledging her as one of Africa’s most influential women since they first met in 2018. Dr Kelej also extended her appreciation to the government of Tanzania for hosting the event and to all the African First Ladies who travelled to participate and serve as ambassadors of the ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign. She commended the Tanzanian President as an inspiring female role model not only in Africa but globally, and noted that their partnership with Merck Foundation continues to thrive.
Dr Kelej also celebrated the online participation, with over 6,000 virtual viewers, and thanked the attendees, the media, and healthcare professionals present, particularly those involved in the Merck Foundation’s Media Doctors Training. She concluded by highlighting Merck Foundation’s use of animation to raise awareness on issues such as child marriage, infertility, and sexual abuse.
Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation’s Board of Trustees and former Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, also shared his gratitude towards the Tanzanian President and government for their support in hosting this important event.
He commended the African First Ladies for championing the More Than a Mother campaign in their respective countries, sharing successes achieved through Merck Foundation’s initiatives.
Professor Stangenberg-Haverkamp emphasised that Merck Foundation’s mission to improve health awareness and empower communities has grown steadily. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to fostering positive change.
H.E. Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe and ambassador for the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign, spoke on behalf of the First Ladies, praising Merck Foundation and its team for their dedication to training doctors and journalists. She shared that the foundation has awarded 51 medical scholarships to enhance healthcare providers’ skills and knowledge, breaking down stigma and advancing patient care.
In addition, Dr Mnangagwa highlighted that scholarships were provided to 40 schoolgirls who had dropped out of school, giving them the chance to continue their education. She emphasised her commitment as a campaign ambassador to challenge stereotypes and stigma associated with infertility in Zimbabwe.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania delivered the keynote address and officially inaugurated the event. She welcomed attendees to the “land of smiles” and expressed her support for Merck Foundation’s role in capacity-building to transform lives.
Congratulating Merck Foundation on its achievements over the past seven years, she affirmed her country’s commitment to its partnership with the foundation.
President Hassan emphasised that Merck Foundation’s focus aligns with Tanzania’s goals related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in healthcare, quality education, and partnerships.
She shared her personal dedication to improving maternal health in Tanzania, which has led to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates, with over 80% of childbirth-related deaths being averted since her tenure began as Vice President.
