Dubai: Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, and 14 First Ladies inaugurated the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event, conducted by the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, took place on June 19th and 20th, 2025. It was led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, alongside First Ladies from 14 African and Asian countries who participated as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her honor in welcoming the First Ladies, who also serve as Ambassadors of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, to the summit. The platform facilitated the exchange of experiences and discussions on the impact of Merck Foundation's programs on patient care and awareness of social and health issues.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp highlighted Merck Foundation's mission to improve health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to equitable healthcare solutions in Africa, Asia, and beyond. He acknowledged the support of the Foundation's Ambassadors and partners in achieving this vision.
The First Ladies, representing countries such as Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, contributed as Keynote Speakers. They emphasized the role of Merck Foundation in transforming patient care and raising awareness about fertility, women's health, and other critical issues.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej noted that the Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,500 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, with many becoming the first specialists in their respective countries. The Foundation's "More Than a Mother" campaign, which aims to empower infertile and childless women, was also highlighted during the summit.
The summit marked the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of its development programs. The event featured high-level panel discussions with the participating First Ladies and ministers, alongside healthcare experts. The second day included sessions on oncology, fertility, and a media training session focusing on the role of media in driving cultural change.
The hybrid conference attracted over 6,000 participants from more than 70 countries. It was streamed live on Merck Foundation's social media channels, allowing a global audience to engage with the discussions and strategies for addressing health and social challenges.
Merck Foundation's initiatives extend beyond the conference, with efforts in training media, launching awards, producing songs and storybooks, and running a Pan African TV program to address social and health issues. These initiatives aim to create a cultural shift and break the silence on critical matters in Africa and underserved communities.