The Merck Foundation has renewed its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, advancing girls’ education and tackling infertility stigma across Africa and Asia after bringing together the First Ladies of 12 countries during the 13th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.
Held virtually in June, the annual conference served as a platform for governments, healthcare leaders and development partners to review progress and outline new initiatives aimed at improving public health and expanding educational opportunities in underserved communities.
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Marking both its ninth anniversary and 14 years of development programmes, the foundation highlighted the growing impact of its partnerships in building medical capacity across the two continents. Discussions focused on addressing infertility stigma, preventing child marriage and female genital mutilation, combating gender-based violence, empowering women and increasing public awareness of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The conference also coincided with World Infertility Awareness Month, reinforcing the foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, which seeks to challenge misconceptions surrounding infertility while promoting compassionate healthcare and social inclusion.
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rasha Kelej said collaboration with the First Ladies has become a driving force behind programmes that are transforming patient care and expanding access to specialist medical training. According to the foundation, more than 2,600 scholarships have been awarded to healthcare professionals from 52 countries in over 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, including more than 800 scholarships dedicated to fertility, embryology and reproductive health. These initiatives are designed to help countries develop local medical expertise and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
The First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe shared the progress achieved through their partnerships with the foundation. Several highlighted scholarship programmes for healthcare workers, while others emphasized support for the “Educating Linda” initiative, which provides long-term educational scholarships, school supplies and menstrual hygiene products to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many speakers stressed that investing in girls’ education is essential for sustainable economic development and stronger healthcare systems.
Healthcare capacity building remains one of the foundation’s flagship achievements. Kenya reported receiving more than 300 scholarships for healthcare professionals, while countries including Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia, Mozambique and Botswana highlighted specialized medical training in areas such as oncology, endocrinology, diabetes care, fertility, reproductive medicine and infectious diseases. Several participating nations noted that these programmes have helped train their first specialists in fields that were previously unavailable locally, improving access to quality healthcare for thousands of patients.
Beyond healthcare, the Merck Foundation continues to invest in public awareness through media training, educational campaigns and creative initiatives. More than 4,000 journalists from over 35 countries have participated in media capacity-building programmes designed to improve reporting on health and social issues. The foundation has also produced children’s storybooks, animation films, songs and television programmes promoting healthy lifestyles, gender equality and education while encouraging communities to address sensitive issues openly.
As African and Asian countries continue working toward stronger healthcare systems and more inclusive education, participants at the 2026 Africa Asia Luminary reaffirmed the importance of partnerships that combine leadership, medical expertise and community engagement. Organizers said the collaboration between the Merck Foundation and the First Ladies will continue to focus on expanding specialist healthcare training, empowering women and girls, supporting vulnerable communities and creating lasting social change across both regions.
