Banjul: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, met with the First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye, during the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in The Gambia. The event, co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, focused on healthcare capacity building and girl education. According to African Press Organization, the partnership between Merck Foundation and Burundi, initiated in 2020, has resulted in 55 scholarships for Burundian doctors in various medical fields, including oncology and reproductive medicine. This collaboration led to the establishment of Burundi's first diabetes and public IVF centers. The First Lady of Burundi highlighted the Educating Linda program, which grants annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls. The initiative aims to empower young women through education. Additionally, Merck Foundation and Burundi's First Lady launched children's storybooks to address infertility stigma, girl education, and health issues. The foundation has also conducted health media training and announced awards for media and arts professionals. The conference featured keynote speeches and a ministerial panel, emphasizing Merck Foundation's ongoing commitment to healthcare and education in Africa and Asia.