11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inaugurated in Tanzania, Uniting Global Leaders for Healthcare Advancement

By Konah Rufus 

The 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was officially inaugurated on October 29th in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The event gathered a remarkable assembly of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and media from over 70 countries, emphasizing the commitment to enhance healthcare capacity and awareness in critical medical specialities.

The inauguration ceremony saw prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, joining President Hassan. The First Ladies of 15 African and Asian nations graced the occasion as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, further highlighting the conference's significance.

In her opening remarks, President Hassan expressed her pride in hosting the event, stating, “It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. This conference will help us achieve our shared mission — to transform the health and well-being of our people.” 

Senator Kelej echoed these sentiments, thanking the Tanzanian government for its support and emphasizing the importance of collaborative discussions aimed at improving patient care and addressing pressing health issues. Prof. Dr. Stangenberg-Haverkamp also acknowledged the collective efforts of attendees to realize the vision of the Merck Foundation: “Everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The conference celebrated the 7th anniversary of the Merck Foundation and marked 12 years of its development programs. During the event, more than 6,000 participants engaged in five parallel scientific and social sessions, tackling 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, including Oncology, Diabetes, and Fertility Care.

As part of the program, a community awareness session was dedicated to training African journalists on their crucial role in influencing communities and addressing social and health issues. This initiative aims to break infertility stigma, support girls' education, and combat gender-based violence.

The Luminary not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also highlighted the Merck Foundation's commitment to providing over 2,080 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries in various medical fields.

As the 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary concluded, it reinforced the collective resolve to enhance healthcare standards and advocate for social change across Africa and Asia, paving the way for healthier futures.