According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her delight at the presence of H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, highlighting their long-standing partnership since 2017. The collaboration has resulted in 87 scholarships for Gambian doctors across various critical specialties, such as Oncology, Fertility, and Embryology, among others. This initiative is transforming patient care in The Gambia.
H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow shared her excitement about the summit and the significant milestones achieved through their partnership. She emphasized the summit’s role as a platform to discuss strategies aimed at improving the future of Africa and Asia.
On the second day of the summit, a committee meeting was held between the First Ladies of Africa and the leadership of Merck Foundation. During this meeting, the impact of Merck Foundation programs in various countries was reviewed, and future strategies were discussed.
Together with The Gambia First Lady, Merck Foundation has awarded 87 scholarships to local doctors in critical specialties. These include 27 scholarships in oncology and 23 in Fertility and Embryology, among others. This initiative is contributing significantly to women’s health and transforming reproductive and fertility care in The Gambia.
Merck Foundation has been dedicated to building healthcare capacity since 2012, providing 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej reiterated the foundation’s commitment to enhancing healthcare capacity in collaboration with The Gambia’s First Lady and Health Ministry.
Additionally, Merck Foundation has held three editions of Online Health Media Training with the Office of the First Lady to address critical social and health issues. They have launched a call for applications for eight awards in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, targeting media, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and emerging talents.
In partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, Merck Foundation has also released seven children’s storybooks addressing social and health issues, including the stigma of infertility and the importance of girl education.
The summit was streamed live across Merck Foundation’s social media platforms, continuing its mission to transform patient care and create cultural shifts in Africa, Asia, and beyond.