Nairobi: Senator Rasha Kelej (Ret.) welcomed Kenya's First Lady at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss collaborative efforts in building healthcare capacity. This summit, organized by Merck Foundation, the charitable arm of Merck KGaA Germany, was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, alongside other dignitaries including Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, and First Lady H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H. of Kenya. The summit also saw participation from First Ladies of several African nations.
According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed her pleasure in meeting H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, emphasizing the provision of 244 scholarships to Kenyan doctors in essential specialties. This initiative aims to empower female healthcare providers, with about 50% of the scholarships awarded to women. This partnership with the Kenyan First Lady is part of a broader effort to strengthen the public healthcare landscape through educational programs and scholarships.
First Lady Rachel Ruto highlighted the significant impact of their collaboration with Merck Foundation, which includes the Educating Linda program. This initiative provides annual scholarships to 47 high-performing yet underprivileged girls, underscoring the importance of education in empowering girls and transforming communities.
The summit's second day featured a committee meeting with African and Asian First Ladies, where they reviewed the impact of Merck Foundation programs and discussed future strategies. The foundation has provided 224 scholarships to young doctors in various medical fields, contributing to the development of specialized clinics and awareness efforts, particularly in diabetes and oncology.
Merck Foundation's initiatives have expanded beyond scholarships, including media training, awards, and the publication of children's storybooks addressing social and health issues. These efforts aim to create a culture shift and break the silence on issues like infertility stigma and gender-based violence.
With over 2500 scholarships awarded across 52 countries, Merck Foundation continues to transform patient care and address social issues through multimedia approaches and educational programs. The organization's commitment to building healthcare capacity and supporting educational initiatives is evident in its ongoing projects throughout Africa and beyond.