Tanzania President and Merck Foundation CEO Inaugurate 11th Africa Asia Luminary with 15 First Ladies
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held the 11th Edition of its annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024”, under the patronage of the President of Tanzania in collaboration with the Tanzanian Government.
The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation. They were joined by First Ladies from 15 countries across Africa and Asia, who participated as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
The distinguished First Ladies included:
- H.E. Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye (Burundi)
- H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho (Cabo Verde)
- H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera (Central African Republic)
- H.E. Madam Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema (Gabon)
- H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow (The Gambia)
- H.E. Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo (Ghana)
- H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto (Kenya)
- H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai (Liberia)
- H.E. Mrs. Monica Chakwera (Malawi)
- H.E. Mrs. Sajidha Mohamed (Maldives)
- H.E. Mrs. Isaura Ferrão Nyusi (Mozambique)
- H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova (São Tomé and Príncipe)
- H.E. Mrs. Mariam Mwinyi (Zanzibar)
- H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe)
Focus on Healthcare and Social Impact
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the significance of hosting this landmark event in Tanzania, noting:
"I deeply appreciate Merck Foundation’s programs that are building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education."
The conference highlighted the Merck Foundation’s extensive healthcare initiatives, including scholarships awarded to 2,080 doctors from 52 countries across 42 critical and underserved specialties.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej stated:
"I am honored to welcome the First Ladies of African and Asian nations. Together, we shared impactful discussions and experiences, strengthening healthcare systems and promoting gender equality through our programs."
Global Partnerships and Transformative Change
The event underscored the importance of partnerships to tackle pressing healthcare challenges, from infertility stigma to capacity-building in underserved specialties. Through collaboration with governments and leaders, the Merck Foundation continues to advance equitable access to education and healthcare across Africa and Asia.
