The Merck Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare and empowering women across Africa and Asia during the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit. The event brought together the First Lady of Ghana along with thirteen First Ladies from both continents, highlighting a united front to address pressing health and social challenges.
Focus on Healthcare and Empowerment
At the summit, the Merck Foundation CEO held discussions with the First Ladies on key issues, including:
- Expanding access to cancer prevention, early detection, and care.
- Breaking the stigma around infertility and women’s reproductive health.
- Strengthening training programs for doctors and healthcare professionals.
- Promoting education and awareness campaigns that empower women and young people.
Shared Vision and Partnerships
The First Ladies expressed their strong support for joint initiatives that merge policy influence with grassroots engagement. They emphasized that creating awareness, providing medical resources, and fostering education are critical steps to improving public health across their nations.
The Merck Foundation pledged to:
- Expand capacity-building programs for local doctors.
- Support awareness campaigns led by First Ladies in their respective countries.
- Introduce new community health projects that reach underserved populations.
Words from the Summit
“Our collaboration is about creating long-term impact. Together, we can bring quality healthcare closer to people who need it the most,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
Ghana’s First Lady echoed this sentiment, stating, “When we work together as mothers, leaders, and advocates, we can change the lives of millions of women and families in Africa and Asia.”
Looking Ahead
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to launch joint initiatives in 2026 that focus on early cancer screening, fertility awareness, and women’s empowerment through education and healthcare.
