Merck Foundation Africa, Asia First Ladies Summit Strengthens Women’s Empowerment Issues

By Wallace Mawire

The Merck Foundation has convened the 7^th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 held  place in hybrid format and  attended by over 6,000 participants from across 70 countries, including African countries.

The summit was live-streamed across the foundation’s  social media platforms, reaching more than 6 million followers  and covered by respected media houses from all participating countries.

Highlights of the summit included inauguration and plenary sessions  with First Ladies from 18+ African  and Asian Nations.

Discussions on focused  healthcare capacity building, breaking infertility stigma and girls’ education and women empowerment, just to mention a few.

 An overview of the  Merck Foundation programmes and introduction of 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was presented by

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation, President on “More Than a Mother”  and  President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative.”

 A keynote speech at the summit were delivered by Professor  Dr. Frank Stangenberg – Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and  Former Chairman of Executive Board of E. Merck KG.

Keynote speeches were presented by H.E. Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and  Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother,” H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother,”H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother,”H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.”

 Other keynote speeches were delivered by first ladies from participating countries like Nigeria,Mozambique,Maldives,Malawi,Liberia,Kenya,Ghana,Gambia,Gabon,Central Africa Republic,Cabo Verde,Burundi and Botswana.

 The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. 

 The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.