Nairobi: Senator Rasha Kelej (Ret.) welcomed Kenya First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H., at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit to discuss collaborative programs aimed at enhancing healthcare capacity. The summit, spearheaded by Merck Foundation, was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, alongside Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) and various African First Ladies.
According to the African Press Organization, the summit focused on Merck Foundation’s efforts to build healthcare capacity in Kenya through 244 scholarships awarded to local doctors in critical specialties, with around 50% benefiting female healthcare providers. H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto emphasized the partnership’s role in transforming Kenya’s public healthcare landscape and its impact on the quality and accessibility of medical services.
Additionally, the collaboration supports girl education through the Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to 47 high-achieving but underprivileged girls. The initiative underscores the commitment to empowering young girls through education as a means of progress.
During the summit’s second day, a meeting was held between the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee and African and Asian First Ladies to share impact reports and discuss future strategies for Merck Foundation programs.
As part of their capacity advancement efforts, Merck Foundation has awarded 123 scholarships for postgraduate studies in diabetes, cardiovascular medicine, and endocrinology, enabling graduates to open specialized clinics and raise disease awareness. Ten scholarships were allocated for oncology to bolster cancer care capacity in response to rising cancer cases.
The Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign provided 46 scholarships in fertility, embryology, and reproductive medicine, while 64 additional scholarships covered various specialties such as gastroenterology and psychiatry.
Merck Foundation has also launched initiatives to address social issues, providing over 2500 scholarships across 52 countries in underserved specialties. They have trained more than 3700 media personnel to raise awareness on health and social issues and launched awards for media, musicians, and other creatives.
In partnership with Kenya’s First Lady, Merck Foundation introduced seven children’s storybooks addressing social and health issues such as infertility stigma and diabetes awareness. These books will soon be released in Swahili to broaden their reach.