Ghana’s First Lady Commends Merck Foundation for Enhancing Access to Quality Healthcare.

Dar es Salaam: Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Ghana, has praised the Merck Foundation for its significant contribution to the Ghanaian healthcare sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mrs Akufo-Addo highlighted the foundation's role in providing high-quality scholarships to Ghanaian doctors across various critical disciplines, which has led to improved access to healthcare in underserved specialities. According to Ghana News Agency, the Luminary event marked the 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and celebrated 12 years of its development programmes, initiated in 2012. Mrs Akufo-Addo emphasized the transformative impact of Merck Foundation's initiatives, stating that since 2018, the scholarships granted to local doctors have significantly enhanced patient care and healthcare awareness in Ghana. She also underscored the importance of the foundation's 'More than a Mother' programme, which has helped in reducing infertility stigma in the country. Mrs Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to Merck Foundation for its partnership in promoting girls' education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal four. She noted the positive impact of educating girls on economic strengthening and reducing inequality. The partnership with Merck Foundation over seven years has facilitated media training on fertility and sensitive health issues, fostering public awareness and discussion on critical social topics. The 2024 Luminary event, which was attended by 15 African First Ladies, also attracted over 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, and media participants from more than 70 countries. The attendees engaged in scientific and social sessions focused on advancing healthcare capacity in 44 critical medical specialities. Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, thanked the Tanzanian President for hosting the event and reiterated the foundation's commitment to improving healthcare access and capacity in underserved fields. Since its inception, Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,080 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, creating first-time specialists in several regions. Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, highlighted the cultural shift initiated by the foundation, breaking the silence on social and health issues across Africa. He called for ongoing collaboration among the First Ladies to further these efforts.