Banjul: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently hosted the 12th Edition of its annual conference, the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia. The event took place in Banjul, The Gambia, and was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, The First Lady of Gambia, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The First Ladies of Liberia, Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, So Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal were present as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the significance of her meeting with H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia, highlighting their collaboration in providing 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors specializing in areas such as Fertility, Embryology, and Oncology. These scholarships have contributed to the development of specialized healthcare professionals in the public sector of Liberia. The current Minister of Health i n Liberia is noted as an alumnus of the Merck Foundation. H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai expressed pride in her role as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and acknowledged the achievements made in partnership with the foundation. The collaboration has led to the provision of scholarships for local doctors and healthcare providers, as well as the Educating Linda program, which grants annual scholarships to 40 high-performing girls in Liberia. The conference's first day featured keynote speeches from African First Ladies and a high-level ministerial panel discussion. On the second day, a meeting of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) committee took place, where impact reports and future strategies were discussed. In Liberia, Merck Foundation and the First Lady have supported the education of doctors in critical specialties, including Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes care. The foundation also launched nine children's storybooks addressing social issues like infertility sti gma and girl education. Additionally, Merck Foundation announced a call for applications for various awards to encourage media, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, and students. The 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the foundation's social media platforms, providing a global audience access to the discussions and initiatives addressed during the event.