By Samira Larbie
Accra, Oct 31, GNA- Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Ghana, has commended Merck Foundation for providing high-quality and in-depth scholarship for Ghanaian doctors in diverse and critical disciplines.
She said the scholarship had made a substantial contribution to enhancing access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions in many underserved specialities thereby transforming Ghana’s health sector landscape.
Mrs Akufo-Addo gave the commendation at the inauguration of the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to enable the First Ladies share their experiences and achievements.
The 11th edition of the Luminary witnessed the 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 12 years of Merck Foundation’s development programmes, which started in 2012.
“Since 2018, Merck Foundation has provided a high-quality and in-depth scholarship for local Ghanaian doctors in diverse and critical disciplines.
“The scholarship has made a substantial contribution to enhancing access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions in many underserved specialities. It is truly transforming the landscape of patient care and health access and awareness in Ghana,” she added.
The First Lady highlighted the Merck Foundation’s “More than a Mother” programme, which had gained support in Ghana and also helped to reduce infertility stigma.
She said the Sustainable Development Goal four enjoined countries to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and expressed appreciation to Merck Foundation for the partnership to invest in girls education in the country.
“Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. Together, we are ensuring that girls are heard, seen and empowered for a great future. Merck Foundation, on behalf of our girls, I say a big thank you,” Mrs Akufo-Addo stated.
She said the seven impactful years of partnership with the Merck Foundation had seen several training for the media on fertility, and other sensitive health issues, and expanded awareness creation in these areas.
Mrs Akufo-Addo said the Merck Foundation awards have promoted the discussion of critical social issues and given young people the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“It is important that I also acknowledge that together with Merck Foundation, we have produced and distributed thousands of children’s books. Namely, More Than a Mother, Jacline’s Rescue, Not Who You Are, Riding to the Future, Sugar-Free Jude, Mark’s Pressure, and Educating Aku to expand children’s knowledge.
The 2024 Luminary saw 15 African First Ladies in attendance, sharing their experiences and achievements.
The event saw more than 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers and media from over 70 countries attending through the hybrid model to benefit from five parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialities.
Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, expressed appreciation to the Tanzanian President for hosting this year’s Luminary.
She said Merck Foundation aimed to contribute to improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions and building healthcare capacity in many critical and underserved medical fields.
It is against this background that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,080 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine and many more, she added.
Senator Dr Kelej said due to the scholarships many Merck Foundation Alumni were becoming the first specialists in their countries.
“Merck Foundation initiated this strategic approach to build and enhance healthcare capacity in 2012, in partnership with African First Ladies together with Ministries of Health and Medical Societies.
This has significantly contributed towards reshaping the public healthcare sector and transforming the patient care landscape in 52 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond,” she said.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, noted that Merck Foundation was creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities and called for continued partnerships among the First Ladies to achieve this.
GNA