By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary 2026, a landmark convergence of global healthcare advocates, officially commenced on Thursday, June 18.
The two-day virtual conference, hosted by the Merck Foundation—the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany—brought together a formidable coalition of policymakers, medical experts, and 12 distinguished First Ladies from Africa and Asia to strategize on transforming patient care and addressing critical social stigmas.
The high-level inaugural session, which drew over 800 participants from 57 nations and garnered more than 220,000 views on social media, was led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation.
The event served as a platform to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Merck Foundation and the 14th anniversary of its development programs. Central to the proceedings was the “Merck Foundation First Ladies High-Level Panel,” where the ambassadors of the “More Than a Mother” campaign discussed the ongoing fight against healthcare inequities.
“It is a great privilege to welcome our distinguished Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia,” said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej. “Together, we exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”
The esteemed First Ladies participating in the Luminary include: H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, Angola, H.E. Mrs. Kaone Boko, Botswana, H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho, Cabo Verde, H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera, Central African Republic, H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, Gabon, H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, Kenya, H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, Liberia, H.E. Madam Sajidha Mohamed, Maldives, H.E. Dr. Gueta Selemane Chapo, Mozambique, H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, Nigeria, and H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, São Tomé and Príncipe.
The first ladies, while delivering their speeches, highlighted the achievements made through the long-lasting partnership with Merck Foundation, with recorded impacts.
Moreover, they renewed their commitment to maintain a lasting relationship with the foundation, with renewed passion to improve the lives of mothers and children across Africa and Asia.
While addressing the conference, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp emphasized the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to the continent. “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond,” he stated.
He disclosed that the impact of these efforts remains quantifiable, noting that the Foundation has provided over 2,600 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 underserved medical specialties.
800 of these scholarships were said to focus on fertility, embryology, and women’s health, directly supporting the “More Than a Mother” campaign, which works to destigmatize infertility and empower childless women.
The Luminary also highlighted the Foundation’s multifaceted approach to social change.
Through its “More Than a Mother” initiative, the organization is actively dismantling taboos surrounding health and social issues using Media Empowerment: Over 4,000 media representatives have been trained to report accurately on health and social challenges.
Moreover, the organization also offers 1,550 annual scholarships for African schoolgirls, covering full educational expenses to help them realize their potential.
In the same vein, a library of children’s storybooks, awareness animation films, and over 30 songs was produced by local artists to address health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
As the Luminary moves into its second day, the focus will shift to parallel scientific sessions dedicated to Oncology and Fertility, continuing the mission of fostering a world where, as Dr. Stangenberg-Haverkamp noted, everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.
For those who missed the inaugural session, a recording is available on the Merck Foundation Facebook page.
