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Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Greets Nigeria's First Lady at the 7th Edition of the First Ladies Initiative Summit, Addressing Collaborative Efforts in Healthcare Enhancement, Destigmatizing Infertility, and Encouraging Female Education

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation's First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 was recently held in Mumbai, India and Abuja, Nigeria, with Prof. Dr. as the inauguration official. This event was organized by Merck Foundation, the charitable arm of Merck KGaA Germany.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej greets Nigeria's First Lady at the 7th edition of their First Ladies...
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej greets Nigeria's First Lady at the 7th edition of their First Ladies Initiative Summit, discussing ongoing collaborative initiatives to enhance healthcare facilities, eradicate infertility stigma, and bolster girl education support.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Greets Nigeria's First Lady at the 7th Edition of the First Ladies Initiative Summit, Addressing Collaborative Efforts in Healthcare Enhancement, Destigmatizing Infertility, and Encouraging Female Education

In a relentless pursuit to elevate humanity and enhance well-being, Merck Foundation has been at the forefront of providing opportunities for individuals across Africa and beyond. The global health and science company, known for its non-political stance, has been making significant strides in various fields, including health, education, and arts.

Merck Foundation has offered 2280 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries, supporting their studies in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. This includes 63 scholarships for Nigerian doctors in various specialties, such as Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Women's Health, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology, Obesity & Weight Management, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Critical Care, Psychiatry, Care for Older Person, and Pain Management.

To empower under-privileged African schoolgirls, Merck Foundation has provided 950+ scholarships, enabling them to complete their studies.

Merck Foundation's commitment to creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues is evident in its initiatives. Through its Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," the organisation addresses Social and Health Issues in Africa through "Fashion and ART with Purpose" Community. This includes creating around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa, and launching 8 awards annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs.

In partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria, Merck Foundation is launching seven children's storybooks, addressing various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, and diabetes & hypertension awareness. Additionally, 7 awareness animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili - have been launched to further spread awareness.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation's First Ladies Initiative was conducted recently in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and Abuja, Nigeria. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative, was present at the summit, along with H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ambassador of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Campaign.

The summit was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Merck Foundation's social media channels have more than 8 Million Followers, providing a wide reach for its initiatives.

Merck Foundation does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to improve social and health outcomes for communities in need, collaborating with various partners, including governments, but remaining strictly neutral in political matters.

For more information, visit the Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel's live stream link: https://youtube.com/live/1xIeh0TCAuw

In conclusion, Merck Foundation continues to make a significant impact in Africa and beyond, empowering individuals through education, creating awareness about critical social and health issues, and fostering a culture of change.

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