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.
The delegation should have specific talking points to discuss with the US adminsitration. One is recognition. Two assist Somaliland in nation building, militarily to combat piracy and terrorism stem from Somalia. They should not and I repeat never meet up withunelected Sheikh Sharrif who is also due in Washington for talks. We are two separate states if they the TFG need our help they first need to spell the magic words WE SOMALIA RECOGNISE SOMALILAND as a sovriegn state anything less is sheeko caruureed iyo maala'awal
America doesn't recognize Somali land. Their main objective is to stabilize Somalia (The South) through Somali land by supporting the latter's embryonic democracy. They also are concerned with the security of the region so that terrorism and piracy do not affect whole area. Somali land and Somalia are situated in an strategic area. America as a super power needs to control the Indian Ocean, the Arabia Sea, and the Red sea militarily and economically.
America will recognize Somaliland if Somaliland can get Israel and Israeli lobbyist groups in Washington on their side and I think they are almost there.
America doesnt do much for Somaliland they need to step up and support development the $4-million they provide through USAID cant even support one polling station.
America needs to review it's policies around the world not only with Somaliland.
This is a good start.
I do not know exactly how this visit is arranged and who arranged, but I would like to see this delegation speak for Somaliland, and not for the sack of visit to USA. We [Somaliland] should tell the Americans, we have something you need to have access and we want something that you can do for us. American business is business. Nothing else. Show them that the strategic location of Somaliland is important for America and for Somaliland and we should discuss this only, and how America can realize the need of Somaliland people.
Boqoljireh and Mohamed Khalid are so negative. Hey, let the delegation get there and see what happens in the talks. The US will support and recognise anyone who happens to be in step with their national interest. Somaliland is fighting terrorism and piracy. We are a moderate Muslim nation and a nascent democracy too. We have more to offer the US than anyone else in the region, including those who are selling the very weapons the US is providing to fight militatants. As for the $4 million dollars for the election.Get real, try and see if you can get $4 from our "arab and african" brothers to help fund the election.
I feel so embarrassed that I know in advance that the delegates being sent by our current government are probably more looking forward to strealing toiletries from the hotels they stay in than the actual points of discussion at the meeting.
I would not be surprised if America is warming up to recognizing us; but I still think that the current government and the way we are set up is a joke and that embarrassingly incompetent people end up in high positions.
The delegation should engage the US government not only in recognition of our nation but also to help build it. 4m is a not bad as a start. (as Kariye said, we got nothing from our African and Arab brothers)
The delegation should not only meet the government officials but promote the concept of SOMALILAND nation. They should meet NGOs, Institutions, Lobbyist, etc. They should strive hard to give interviews to journalist, visit universities, meet civil society institutions,e tc. In general make the best of their trip.
I wish them success.
All these ministers and speakers are incompotent in the future I suggest before they send a delegation they should get a feedback from the public. This is a lost opportunity and I reckon Dahir Rayale did this on purpose – don't think this guy supports Somaliland becoming recognized he is fake.
We need to vote him off and it will not even take others two years to bring recognition.
This delegation is going to Washington for personal reasons they happy to leave Hargeisa. The so-called government could not even afford a plane for them they took a taxi to Jigjiga (Ethiopia), they using the airport is under construction as excuse. They could have taken a plane from Berbera or other towns, why not? It shows they milking the country from the little it gets and they give nothing in return now they taking taxi to othe rcountries, they are joke.
Who is going to even meet them they can't even organise a plane. Silanyo took a private jet. What a losers
Sxb wax wayn naan helikaraa markaasaan labo magaalo kuwareegaynaa aduun kii maanta waa halmagaalo Waac ogtihiin in eurub ay midoobayso anaguna xaafad baankuu raadinaynaa war hamigiina meelfog geeya somaaliya maxaa idinka hortaagan inaad xukuntaan
Somalilander raised a good point. I still remember the last visit by Riyaale and his entourage of incompetent ministers who most of could not speak ENGLISH let alone discuss mutual interests of two nations.
Vote Riyaale out first and then we deal with the incompetents in power.
Shiek Shariff is in for a tough time! USA wants to know:
– Where is the food aid?
– Where are the weabons we gave you?
– What has our money been spent on?
– Why are Al-Shabaab still giving you instructions?
– Why are your minsters defecting to Al-Shabaab?
– Wait did we even check that you are a former Islamic extremist who hates the USA? with links to suicide squads?
Ok Sheik Shariff how would you like to replace Bin-Laden as our top excuse to invading countries with natural resources???
Sign here please………………….. and we will make sure the somaliland dream is crushed here and now….
The obama administration is keen not to repeat the past mistakes of previous administrations when it comes to engaging somaliland.Somaliland outstanding record in human rights , political and economical progress had tiped the balance to it's favor,the U.S adminisration are fully aware of challanges that may stim from a volatile region such as East Africa , from strategic point of view it's imperative to have somaliland as stabilizing force in the region.Recognize somaliland
I was quite perplexed when an editorial in a major arab news paper had expressed an astonishment that Somaliland is seeking to be internationally recognized, my response to that is do you honestly believe that we will wait for the arab league to decide our fate and destiny an organization that gives legitimacy to bunch of corrupt , dictatorial and tyrannical regimes, Somaliland will make it's own destiny, God blessed Somaliland .
Americans have a tendency not to respect people who can't articulate their points. Therefore, The government should send it's best and brightest to represent us and to convince the Americans where we stand and what we want from the Americans and the Internation Community. Recognition, development, military and capacity building.
Look at the rubbish gobaad wrote. Have you ever Abdillahi Mohamed Duale or Ali Sanyare? Have you ever met Baashe Maxamed?. Have you ever heard them speak. Check out youtube and watch Abdillahi Mohamed articulate Somaliland’s position. Ali Sanyare was given a medal of honor on his retirement from the UN. First of all stop making comments on people you don’t know, haven’t met or have any ideas on their personal skills.
What is so rubbish about what I wrote, Hurguf? You are right. I don't know the background of any of the people you mentioned. I am just saying: the government has to send it's best and brightest. What is wrong with that? That is my point and I am sticking to it.
Somalilander, Pls remove those 80's Siyyad Barre type glasses and get off that high horse that you are on.
You look and sound very narsistic and full of yourself like one of those vain Arab kings who put up their pictures all over billboards in the middle east.
What is your point?
Somaliland have been always known of sending a politically savvy and shrewd delegates who's not only could articulate somaliland position , but also made a compelling case of somaliland recognition . in a recent memo that was released by the U.S department of state in refference to Brussels-basesd think-tank international crisis group(ICG) that favars somaliland recognition , the international community is morally obligated to recognize somaliland
Gobaad, you should have said “I don’t know the backgrounds of the delegation going to the US, but I hope they are best and brightest”, then get yourself informed about them. But, you first statement was so general, it was just rubbish. That is my point.
Look, Mr. Hurguf, all the comments posted here indicates that they are a bunch of incompetents ministeries who don't have the interest of Somaliland at heart.
Besides, they were sitting on behind for the last 7 years, but trying to show some activities now because of looming election. Any idiot can see that. And moreover, I am entitled to opinion. I can speak my mind and express my opinion.
If you are trying to start argument with me, personally. Spare me, because I am interested.
corrections: …because I am not interested, that is.