Merck Foundation Conducts Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024, Expands Healthcare Initiatives in Africa

Merck Foundation Conducts Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024, Expands Healthcare Initiatives in Africa

Merck Foundation Conducts Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024, Expands Healthcare Initiatives in Africa

Key Highlights:

1. Merck Foundation hosted the Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024 in Abidjan, chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.
2. The summit involved Presidents of Medical and Fertility Societies from 14 Francophone African countries.
3. Merck Foundation has provided over 1810 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, including 350 scholarships to Francophone African nations.
4. The “More Than a Mother” campaign continues to empower women and address infertility stigma.

Merck Foundation’s Commitment:
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted its Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024 in Abidjan. The event, chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasized long-term commitment to healthcare capacity building in Africa, especially in Francophone countries.

Scholarships and Healthcare Capacity Building:
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej highlighted that over 1810 scholarships have been provided to young doctors from 52 countries in critical medical specialties. Notably, more than 350 scholarships were awarded to doctors from 14 Francophone African countries, including seven scholarships to doctors from Côte d’Ivoire for Fertility and Embryology clinical training. This initiative is part of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, aimed at breaking infertility stigma and empowering women.

Empowering Women and Addressing Stigma:
The “More Than a Mother” campaign seeks to empower women living with infertility stigma by providing access to information, education, and economic opportunities. The campaign collaborates with First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and various societal sectors across 24 African countries to build reproductive and fertility care capacity and raise awareness about infertility.

Animation Films and Media Training:
During the summit, Merck Foundation screened animation films like “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure,” focusing on diabetes and hypertension awareness among children and youth. Additionally, the first edition of Health Media Training for Côte d’Ivoire’s media representatives was conducted to emphasize the role of media in addressing social and health issues like infertility stigma, girl education, and gender-based violence.

Awards and Competitions:
Merck Foundation announced the call for applications for eight awards aimed at media representatives, filmmakers, fashion designers, singers, and students to raise awareness about social issues and health conditions. The categories include Media Recognition, Film, Fashion, and Song Awards focused on both “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension” themes.

Join the Conversation:
For more information and to participate in the awards, visit Merck Foundation’s social media platforms and official website.

Links to Animation Films:

• Sugar Free Jude
• Mark’s Pressure
• More Than a Mother

Contact and Social Media:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Merck Foundation
• Twitter: @MerckFoundation
• YouTube: MerckFoundation
• Instagram: Merck Foundation
• Threads: Merck Foundation
• Flickr: Merck Foundation
• Merck Foundation Website

Download the Merck Foundation App on Apple.

This initiative underscores Merck Foundation’s dedication to advancing healthcare capacity, transforming patient care, and empowering women across Africa.

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