Merck Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and tackling social health challenges across Africa and Asia.
The partnership emerged from an annual conference hosted with the Government of The Gambia, building on the outcomes of the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Conference 2025, which brought together African and Asian First Ladies, policymakers, and health leaders to advance healthcare capacity, women’s empowerment, and social transformation.
The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s flagship campaign “More Than a Mother,” alongside Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the campaign. Among the Guests of Honour and keynote speakers was H.E. Mrs. Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, who also serves as an Ambassador of “More Than a Mother.”
“We discussed our shared commitment to transforming the patient care landscape by building sustainable healthcare capacity,” said Dr. Kelej. “We have already begun enrolling doctors from São Tomé and Príncipe in critical specialties such as Oncology and Diabetes Care, which are increasingly important due to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.”
During bilateral engagements at the conference, Dr. Rasha Kelej and the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe reviewed the progress of their joint programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce. A key pillar of this partnership is the provision of fully funded scholarships for local doctors to pursue specialized training in underserved medical fields.
Since 2012, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping to reduce dependency on overseas referrals and improve access to quality care within local health systems.
A central focus of the discussions was the expansion of initiatives under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, which seeks to break the stigma surrounding infertility and redefine women’s value beyond motherhood.
As part of this effort, the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe announced plans to broadcast Merck Foundation’s award-winning animation films in Portuguese on national television. The films address sensitive social and health issues, including infertility stigma, girl education, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer awareness, using culturally sensitive and accessible storytelling.
“These films are informative, engaging, and deeply relevant to our communities,” said Mrs. Vila Nova. “Airing them on national television will help spark conversations and promote understanding around issues that are often silenced.”
Investing in Education and the Next Generation
The partnership also extends to education and youth empowerment. The First Lady highlighted the “Educating Linda and Lindo” programme, an initiative introduced in São Tomé and Príncipe to support high-performing but underprivileged children.
Through this programme, 40 schoolgirls and boys receive annual scholarships until graduation, ensuring access to quality education and long-term opportunities. The initiative aligns with Merck Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting girl education across Africa, where the Foundation provides over 1,200 scholarships annually to underprivileged African schoolgirls in 18 countries.
Empowering Media as Agents of Change
Recognizing the media’s role in shaping public attitudes and influencing behaviour change, Merck Foundation,together with the Office of the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe—has conducted two editions of Online Health Media Training. The trainings equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report responsibly and effectively on complex health and social issues.
To further incentivize creative advocacy, Merck Foundation also announced a call for applications for eight awards in partnership with the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe. These awards target media professionals, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and emerging talents, encouraging them to use their platforms to raise awareness and inspire social change.
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