Banjul: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently held the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia. The event featured a meeting between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and several African First Ladies, including H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, The First Lady of Gambia. According to African Press Organization, the conference highlighted significant achievements and future strategies in healthcare and social initiatives. Dr. Rasha Kelej noted the collaboration with Liberia’s First Lady has resulted in 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors in specialties such as Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes care. This initiative has led to the emergence of the first specialists in Liberia’s public healthcare sector. H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai expressed her pride in the partnership with Merck Foundation, emphasizing th e impact of the 52 scholarships on local healthcare providers. Additionally, the Educating Linda program offers annual scholarships to 40 high-performing girls in Liberia, supporting their education until graduation. The conference also included a Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee meeting, where the First Ladies shared the impact of Merck Foundation programs in their countries. On the second day, discussions focused on future strategies to expand the foundation’s reach and impact. Merck Foundation’s initiatives in Liberia include nine children’s storybooks to address social issues, and 3000 essential school item sets distributed to support education. The foundation, in partnership with Liberia’s First Lady, has also launched awards for media, musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers to foster talent and awareness. The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live across various social media platforms, expanding its reach and engagement with a global audience.