Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) declared the Botswana First Lady as the Ambassador of “More than a Mother” in order to enhance healthcare capacity, combat infertility stigma, prevent gender-based violence, and support girl education. The Merck Foundation Chairperson and CEO met with the Botswana President and First Lady to recognize their Alumni and Award winners. The Merck Foundation is celebrating a significant milestone in transforming patient care and supporting girl education in collaboration with the Botswana First Lady.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, the First Lady of Botswana and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. These programs began in 2018 with the goal of improving patient care, enhancing healthcare capacity, eliminating the stigma of infertility, empowering women, supporting girl education, and preventing gender-based violence in Botswana and the rest of Africa.
The program was attended by The President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Dr. MOKGWEETSI ERIC KEABETSWE MASISI, and Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
The Summit was led by The First Lady of Botswana, H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
H.E. Dr. MOKGWEETSI ERIC MASISI, the President of Botswana, expressed his appreciation for the joint programs between The First Lady of Botswana and the Merck Foundation. He commended the tangible impact and long-term commitment of these programs in advancing the health and social development of Botswana. He emphasized the importance of these valuable programs for the country’s success.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, highlighted the honor of meeting H.E. The President of the Republic of Botswana and H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI to officially launch the Merck Foundation Programs in the country. She emphasized the commitment to improving healthcare and media capacity, transforming patient care, ending gender-based violence, combating infertility stigma, and supporting girl education in the country.
H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed her pleasure in welcoming and meeting the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO in their country. They celebrated the success of their joint programs in building healthcare capacity, advancing patient care, combatting infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and preventing gender-based violence since 2018.
In a short period of time, they provided 46 scholarships to young doctors in critical specialties, showcasing their achievements.
The aim is to improve the overall health and well-being of the population by enhancing healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia, and other developing countries through the scholarship program.
Merck Foundation has provided 1810 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties. The scholarships in Botswana have contributed to improving access to quality care in various medical fields.
They also support girl education by providing scholarships and bicycles for schoolgirls to cover transportation and education expenses, empowering them to achieve their dreams.
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to transforming patient care landscape through their scholarship program and initiatives.
They are working closely with the Botswana First Lady to inspire girls, sensitize communities, and address various social and health issues through media training and awareness programs.
The Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with The First Lady of Botswana, visited schools in the country to witness the impact of their initiatives.
During the Summit, the Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony honored 7 winners, and they conducted health media training to empower journalists and address important social and health issues.
They also launched a Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Awards, encouraging talent in various fields.
Storybooks were signed and distributed to promote family values, eliminate domestic violence, and raise awareness on healthy living.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation aims to improve access to quality healthcare solutions, empower people in STEM fields, and advance the lives of individuals through science and technology, with a focus on women and youth. Follow their social media channels for more information.