By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a powerful gathering that celebrated over a decade of service and impact, the Merck Foundation hosted its 7th annual “More Than a Mother” First Ladies Initiative Summit, uniting influential voices in global health, gender equality, and education under one banner. The summit, held under the theme of empowerment, compassion, and transformative partnership, saw the participation of several First Ladies, senior officials, partners, medical alumni and the media. It was a moment of reflection, recommitment, and renewed hope.
The event began with a compelling opening statement by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, who set the tone for the summit. She celebrated the Foundation’s 13 years of transformational work in healthcare and community development. “Our commitment remains steadfast—to train skilled medical professionals, support girls’ education, end stigma surrounding infertility, and build capacity in the most underserved regions. The stories we hear from the communities we serve continue to inspire our mission,” she said. Dr. Kelej reaffirmed the Foundation’s focus on partnership, innovation, and compassion to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Following this, the Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, delivered a message of gratitude and vision. He acknowledged the unwavering support of First Ladies, health ministries, and development partners. “We believe in long-term investment in people—empowering doctors, building health infrastructure, and giving young women a chance to dream,” he stated. He emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to work collaboratively with governments to shape resilient health systems and combat inequalities.
Among the most moving moments of the summit were the speeches delivered by First Ladies from various countries, who shared personal reflections, national accomplishments, and future commitments tied to the Merck Foundation’s goals.
H.E. Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of Ghana, celebrated the 210 Ghanaian doctors trained through the Foundation’s scholarships. She highlighted the inclusion of underserved girls in education, and youth in the creative sector through the Merck Talent Empowerment program. “Together, we are breaking the silence, confronting reproductive stigma, and lighting the path of hope for women and children. These are not just programs—they are lifelines,” she noted.
H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in her debut speech at the summit, detailed how over 60 Nigerian doctors have received Merck Foundation scholarships in oncology, diabetes, cardiology, reproductive health, and critical care. She noted the participation of 21 Nigerian journalists in a special training program and highlighted her Renew Hope Initiative’s collaboration with Merck Foundation to educate underprivileged girls and rehabilitate school dropouts through alternative high schools. “This partnership enables us to build health systems, empower doctors, and inspire girls to believe in their dreams,” she said.
H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, shared the profound impact of Merck Foundation’s efforts in her country, noting that 244 Kenyan doctors had been trained through scholarships, with half of them being women. She commended the Foundation’s support for 47 schoolgirls and ongoing plans to enroll 100 healthcare professionals in clinical nutrition studies. “Our partnership with the Merck Foundation is not just strategic; it is life-saving. We are building legacies, one trained doctor and one educated girl at a time,” she declared. She ended with a poignant reminder: “Working together is success.”
Beyond these featured speakers, other First Ladies also shared inspiring testimonies of how Merck Foundation’s collaboration is transforming their nations—empowering girls, training doctors, and tackling taboo health issues. Their collective voices underscored a shared determination to deliver real change.
The summit also acknowledged the contributions of national media, creative artists, and education stakeholders who have partnered with the Merck Foundation in spreading awareness, shaping cultural perceptions, and inspiring positive behavior. From training journalists to producing children’s storybooks and health-themed music, Merck Foundation’s multidimensional approach continues to ripple through homes, classrooms, and clinics.
In her closing statement, Dr. Rasha Kelej thanked all participating First Ladies, partners, alumni, and stakeholders. “You are the pillars of this movement. Your leadership and compassion breathe life into these programs. We don’t just want to treat diseases—we want to treat societies. Let us continue, hand in hand, to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and rewrite the story of health and opportunity for all.”
The summit ended on a celebratory note as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to sustained action and deeper partnerships. With the promise of continued collaboration and new milestones ahead, the Merck Foundation’s vision of a healthier, more inclusive world remains vibrantly alive—driven by powerful alliances and shared humanity.
