Merck Foundation, First Ladies chart a new course for Africa & Asia in Banjul
The 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary opened on October 14th 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, gathering over 6,000 delegates from more than 70 countries.
Co-hosted by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, in partnership with the Merck Foundation, the landmark event focused on strengthening healthcare systems, promoting girls’ education, and addressing infertility stigma across Africa and Asia.
Seven African First Ladies attended the high-profile conference, which marked eight years of partnership between the Merck Foundation and African First Ladies under the “More Than a Mother” initiative.
The two-day hybrid forum brought together policymakers, health professionals, and development partners to discuss key issues in oncology, diabetes, reproductive health, and pediatrics.
One of the highlights was the First Ladies’ High-Level Panel, where leaders shared experiences and strategies to enhance women’s empowerment and healthcare access.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, Co-Chairperson of the event, urged unity among women leaders, stressing that health “is not merely the absence of illness but the presence of opportunity for every individual to live a dignified life.”
She praised the Merck Foundation for its support to The Gambia, revealing that over 100 Gambian doctors have received specialised training in critical medical fields through the partnership. Madam Bah-Barrow also emphasised the media’s role in promoting responsible health reporting.
Representing President Adama Barrow, Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow commended the Foundation for its investment in Africa’s healthcare capacity, describing its work as “a true contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the AU Agenda 2063.”
He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through free education for girls and increased female participation in governance.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, lauded The Gambia’s hospitality and the active participation of over 6,000 virtual and in-person attendees. She said the Foundation’s mission goes beyond training doctors to “changing narratives and breaking stigmas.”
Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, thanked African governments and First Ladies for their steadfast collaboration, reiterating the Foundation’s commitment to solidarity, innovation, and capacity-building in healthcare.
He said the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will conclude with renewed pledges to empower doctors and nurses, promote women’s education, and strengthen health journalism across the continent.
Source: The Point
