Two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 18, 2025/APO Group/ --
- Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, along with the First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabonese Republic, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Zimbabwe during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai

Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, along with 14 First Ladies from Africa and Asia during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit in Dubai (1)

Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, along with 14 First Ladies from Africa and Asia during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit in Dubai (2)

Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, along with 14 First Ladies from Africa and Asia during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit in Dubai (3)

Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, along with 14 First Ladies from Africa and Asia during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit in Dubai (4)
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.
Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”
The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:
- H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
- H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
- H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
- H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
- H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
- H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
- H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
- H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
- H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
- H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
- H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
- H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
- H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”
“During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women’s health”, she further added.
During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.
On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.
The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.
The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.
Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).
Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese
• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
• Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.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.
Wishy-washy on many counts.
Cirro is ok and a great statesman and cool policy lawmaker/ex diplomat.
the unrecognized sl would be in serious clandestine if cirro had to play dirty
politics. as first chief speaker of the parliament and chairman of wadani
the guy was/is cool minded and shows the right charisma to deal with
all affairs diligently to satisfy the countries national security and stability.
the parliamentary elections are not far off now and for the sake of the sl
peace and stability, a change of cirro at this stage is seen as counterproductive.
the same goes for gaal'nur of the guurti.
cheers.
I only agree with the title of this opinion piece. I think this problem must be solved through normal procedure of the house of parliament and through MPs' votes. Yes, they can agree through traditional mediation outside the parliamentary chambers, but the finally the constitution must be respected. The conflict of interest issue must be solved once and for all through a legislation and not by traditional mediation.
If Irro is not ready to lead and Silanyo's leadership is already in question or being ineffective, I wonder what would be the alternative. Oh! I almost forgot about it. we should bring back Riyale and his likes into the mix then everything will be hunky dory.
Ciro waxuu ku degdegay waxaanuu sharciga dhigeen ADUUNKANA LAMA ARAG GUDOOMIYE XUSBIOO AH GUDOOMIYE BARLAMAAN. ayaadoo Kulmiye u ogaalaadeen inuu gudoomiye ahaado asagoonan ka yimid xusbi aad u yar ayuu shirgudoonka afgabi taasoo ku noqotey sun. Labada Gudoomiye xigeen Dr Ali Yuusuf iyo Baase waxey ku sameeyey wax aad iyo aad dhirbaaxo aanuu kasoo kaban. Hadana sharaf dhac ku ah Gudoomiye Ciro waayo waxuu soo kordhiyey ma jirto aan ka aheen in xilkiisii uu sii wiiqmo labada gudoomiyena si SHARAFLEH ay xoog iyo karti ku muquuriyaan ciro.
@Ahmed
Qudhmiye Qudhmiyaa kaa soo urayee urta kala bax meesha.
Who is your favoruite, Mr Ali, if Cirro is not ready to lead and Siilaanyo leadership is in question, as Osman qaal said? It would be interesting to know.
Kuluc: pay no attention to these miscreants. They are just jealous of Eroh for clanish reasons. These are people who only care about villains like Siilaanyo. They don't care about Somaliland but are only interested in clan superiority and domination. Siilaanyo or his ilks have no history of leading a nation and today we see where they have lead us. We are in the brink of tribal clashes. As you already know Siilaanyo drew a red line in Burao officially dividing the city into two clans.
Ali Mohamed, the author, claims he is the founder of Horn of Africa Freedom Foundation but does this foundation exist. The answer is no. This is a bogus and non-existent foundation solely used to give him a sort of legitimacy. Well known in Columbus,Ohio, as a former Siilaanyo supporter and now out of favor after failing to secure a high ranking job (minister) with Siilaanyo. The author's dim view of Eroh is unfounded and heresy.
Eroh an MBA holder of Albany school of business and a career diplomat has successfully resolved the parliamentary dispute to the satisfaction of the populace and forcing warlord Siilaanyo to accept those terms. Through determination, skill and diplomacy Eroh achieved this on his own using diplomatic skills to have the Guurti deliberate it independently. Under his leadership Somaliland parliament was successful and deliberative in its legislative achievements. To those who are complaining why Eroh is holding both the chairmanship of Wadani and the parliament I would say this is because it is allowed by our constitution and second we need his unflinching leadership and problem solving experience unlike warlord Siilaanyo who can not lead but only engage in divisive issues. Siilaanyo lead us to divide into tribes and sub tribes. He drew a red line in Burao dividing the city into East and West where no tribe crosses to the other. Siilaanyo only wants to rape our resources and all contracts are given to his henchmen of his own clan.
Abdi,
As far as I know politicians must prove themselves through patriotism and honesty. Silanyo has indeed shown a great deal of both. He initiated development improvement plans from get go: He
A) increase the wages of our men and women in uniforms,
B) built multiples roads in the western regions and now began to build 350 KM motorway between Burao and Erigavo
C) Bloomed the nation budget by 10X fold in the first yr he took office through accountability
D) Put Somaliland on the map, secured borders and chose the right people for the right positions
E) Weeded out the dead woods on the government payrolls
F)Improved our international relation in Africa and overseas
G) Open the gates widely for deep pocked international actors to invest in Somaliland
H) Allowed local elections in anticipation to face-lift the federal political parties so very region gets an equal footing in politics. oops, That did not work out. at least he tried
The list is endless, however, my point is clear. You don't have to agree with me but the facts are undisputable. If you would rebuttal as to why Silanyo owns a property in England. The answer is no-brainer….anyone can own a real estate in anywhere, especially in the developed world as long as the mortgage is paid upon agreed terms. Essentially, nobody pays cash on property in the west because purchasing a property on cool cash only ties up a liquid asset unnecessarily.
Siilaanyo's indisputable history is as follows:
1. Swindled £500,000 from SNM Coffers purchasing his first home with help from Dhiigshiil.
2. Divided SNM senior military officers into Red flag and white flag groups.
3. Became a warlord in 1992 when he forced HJ ministers to withdraw from Abdirahman Tuur and Hassan Essa's first post SNM civilian government.
4. Was the first presidential candidate to introduce absolute tribal loyalty by holding exclusive meeting with his clan at Garadag. What kind of a leader will say I want my clan loyalty first. Clan loyalty results in advancing the interests of the clan before the interest of the nation. That is a fact any 7 year old understands. It is exactly what he is doing now showering his clan with contracts for road construction, airport construction etc. Fired government employees and filled their positions with HJ illiterate youth who only know how to swindle like their uncle. It is why the minister of finance is complaining we are not getting enough taxes from Burao. Where does Burao's taxes go?
5. Turned our foreign affairs into a joke by describing our genocide as atrocity.
6.Fired the man (Engineer Mohamed Hashi) who engineered the doubling of public employee salaries.
7. Gave Ibrahim 20% of Oodweyne block.
8. Divided Burao with a red line into East and West with its tribes not crossing into each other.
9. Gave Genel contracts to his country men. The list is endless but I will stop here for now.
I still don't see any facts at sight besides your own version of very subjective stories. You're just angry at your current leader for no logical reasons. It doesn't bother me though a bit because he's your president as much as he's mine.
cirro created the trap for him self when he know's that there is no single member of parliament from his party and he surpoted silanyo to extend the parliament election now he is in trouble there is no wadani mp's to save him. if you can't see what is coming and you are running for president then you are in trouble and the country is in trouble too.
cirro he love his speaker seat but he should plan for the good all three new party's to run for parliamentary election so he can have wadani and ucid mps to save him or he is trouble and prepare to sneef goat milk through his nose.