
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:
- Merck Foundation hosted the Côte d’Ivoire Summit 2024 in Abidjan, chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.
- The summit involved Presidents of Medical and Fertility Societies from 14 Francophone African countries.
- Merck Foundation has provided over 1810 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, including 350 scholarships to Francophone African nations.
- 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.
Latest Posts
- Michael Kremer Named World Bank Chief Economist
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, Business, World - Indonesia Wildfires May Last Until November
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, World - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Arrives in Bhutan for Official Visit, India-Bhutan Bilateral Talks in Focus
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, India, Politics, World - India Rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Commission, Calls 1963 Pact ‘Illegal and Invalid’
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, India, World - Gaza Building Collapse Kills 20, Including 5 Children
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, World - Three-Day Chotta Manimahesh (Ram Rachna) Yatra Begins in Marmat Doda; Thousands of Devotees Set to Participate
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, Doda, Jammu Kashmir, Voice of Marmat - Doda Court Frames Charges Against MLA Mehraj Malik for Assault, Intimidation
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News - First-Ever Mecca Aerial Alert After Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, Politics, World - New Zealand Parliament Approves India Free Trade Agreement, Tariffs to Fall on 95% of Exports
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, India, World - Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 Has the World’s Longest Straight Road Stretch
September 16, 2026 | Breaking News, Featured by VoM, World