أعلنت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ المصري، ورئيس مؤسسة ميرك الدولية الخيرية توصيات أعمال مؤتمر القمع الثامن لمؤسسة ميرك الخيرية التي عُقدت خلال الأيام الماضية بالشراكة مع حكومة جمهورية زامبيا، حيث تم عقد المؤتمر على منصة افتراضية، وافتتحه “إدغار شاغوا لونغو”، رئيس زامبيا مع البروفيسور الدكتور “فرانك ستانجينبيرج هافركامب”، رئيس ومالك شركة ميرك الألمانية، والذي ترأسته كل من والسيدة استر لونغو، السيدة الأولى لزامبيا والدكتورة رشا كيليج، الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة ميرك
وقالت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ، اليوم: نحن فخورون بالترحيب بضيوفنا الكرام والمتحدثين الرئيسيين السيدات الأوائل من 17 دولة أفريقية من أنغولا، وبوتسوانا، وبوركينا فاسو، وبوروندي، وجمهورية أفريقيا الوسطى، وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، وغانا، وغينيا كوناكري، وليبيريا، وملاوي، وموزمبيق، وناميبيا، والوزراء الأفارقة من مختلف القطاعات من أكثر من 25 دولة، وتم مناقشة استراتيجيتنا لتنمية الرعاية الصحية وتدريب المئاتت من الخبراء الطبيين المدربين المتخصصين ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم والمبادرات لكسر وصمة العقم ودعم تعليم الفتيات
وأضافت “قلج”: نؤمن دائمًا بأهمية بناء تدريب الاطباء والكوادر الطبيه وتنمية الرعاية الصحية من خلال توفير التدريب لمقدمي الرعاية الصحية في العديد من التخصصات الطبية، أيضًا كاستجابة لوباء COVID 19، اعتمدنا إستراتيجية التعليم الطبي عبر الإنترنت حتى نتمكن من مواصلة جهودنا لبناء قدرات الرعاية الصحية؛ وأنا فخور جدًا بأننا قدمنا حتى الآن لأكثر من 1100 طبيب من 42 دولة في جميع أنحاء أفريقيا وآسيا وأمريكا اللاتينية، تدريب تخصصي لمدة عام أو عامين أو ثلاثة أعوام في مجالات متعددة مثل الأورام والسكري وطب القلب والأوعية الدموية الوقائي، طب الغدد الصماء، الطب الجنسي والإنجابي، الرعايه المركزه، الطب التنفسي، طب الإنجاب والخصوبة، ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم، علاوة على ذلك قمنا الآن بتقديم المزيد من المنح الدراسية للأطباء الشباب في العديد من التخصصات الجديدة المهمه لمعظم الدول في انحاء أفريقيا وآسيا
فيما قال رئيس زامبيا “إدغار شاغوا لونغو” خلال كلمته الافتتاحية : أنا سعيد للغاية لاستضافة هذا المؤتمر الهام مع مؤسسة ميرك ، شريكنا الاستراتيجي. إنه لشرف عظيم أن أفتتح المؤتمر جنباً إلى جنب مع السيدات الأوائل في إفريقيا. أنا على يقين من أن هذا المؤتمر سيساعدنا على استكشاف المزيد من فرص الشراكة وتقديم فرص جديدة للتعاون في مجال التنميه الصحية والتوعيه المجتمعيه لكسر وصمة العقم بالاضافه الي دعم تعليم الفتيات
http://www.sada-elarab.com/579564
رشا قلج تعلن توصيات لمؤتمر مؤسسة ميرك السنوى الثامن بحضور رئيس زامبيا
طاهر القصبي
أعلنت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ المصري، ورئيس مؤسسة ميرك الدولية الخيرية توصيات أعمال مؤتمر القمع الثامن لمؤسسة ميرك الخيرية التي عُقدت خلال الأيام الماضية بالشراكة مع حكومة جمهورية زامبيا، حيث تم عقد المؤتمر على منصة افتراضية، وافتتحه “إدغار شاغوا لونغو”، رئيس زامبيا مع البروفيسور الدكتور “فرانك ستانجينبيرج هافركامب”، رئيس ومالك شركة ميرك الألمانية، والذي ترأسته كل من والسيدة استر لونغو، السيدة الأولى لزامبيا والدكتورة رشا كيليج، الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة ميرك
وقالت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ، اليوم: نحن فخورون بالترحيب بضيوفنا الكرام والمتحدثين الرئيسيين السيدات الأوائل من 17 دولة أفريقية من أنغولا، وبوتسوانا، وبوركينا فاسو، وبوروندي، وجمهورية أفريقيا الوسطى، وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، وغانا، وغينيا كوناكري، وليبيريا، وملاوي، وموزمبيق، وناميبيا، والوزراء الأفارقة من مختلف القطاعات من أكثر من 25 دولة، وتم مناقشة استراتيجيتنا لتنمية الرعاية الصحية وتدريب المئاتت من الخبراء الطبيين المدربين المتخصصين ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم والمبادرات لكسر وصمة العقم ودعم تعليم الفتيات
وأضافت “قلج”: نؤمن دائمًا بأهمية بناء تدريب الاطباء والكوادر الطبيه وتنمية الرعاية الصحية من خلال توفير التدريب لمقدمي الرعاية الصحية في العديد من التخصصات الطبية، أيضًا كاستجابة لوباء COVID 19، اعتمدنا إستراتيجية التعليم الطبي عبر الإنترنت حتى نتمكن من مواصلة جهودنا لبناء قدرات الرعاية الصحية؛ وأنا فخور جدًا بأننا قدمنا حتى الآن لأكثر من 1100 طبيب من 42 دولة في جميع أنحاء أفريقيا وآسيا وأمريكا اللاتينية، تدريب تخصصي لمدة عام أو عامين أو ثلاثة أعوام في مجالات متعددة مثل الأورام والسكري وطب القلب والأوعية الدموية الوقائي، طب الغدد الصماء، الطب الجنسي والإنجابي، الرعايه المركزه، الطب التنفسي، طب الإنجاب والخصوبة، ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم، علاوة على ذلك قمنا الآن بتقديم المزيد من المنح الدراسية للأطباء الشباب في العديد من التخصصات الجديدة المهمه لمعظم الدول في انحاء أفريقيا وآسيا
https://www.masrtimes.com/85312
رشا قلج تعلن توصيات المؤتمر الثامن لمؤسسة «ميرك» الخيرية
عبدالرحمن البشاري
أعلنت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ المصري، ورئيس مؤسسة ميرك الدولية الخيرية توصيات أعمال مؤتمر القمع الثامن لمؤسسة ميرك الخيرية التي عُقدت خلال الأيام الماضية بالشراكة مع حكومة جمهورية زامبيا، حيث تم عقد المؤتمر على منصة افتراضية، وافتتحه “إدغار شاغوا لونغو”، رئيس زامبيا مع البروفيسور الدكتور “فرانك ستانجينبيرج هافركامب”، رئيس ومالك شركة ميرك الألمانية، والذي ترأسته كل من والسيدة استر لونغو، السيدة الأولى لزامبيا والدكتورة رشا كيليج، الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة ميرك
وقالت الدكتورة رشا قلج، عضو مجلس الشيوخ، اليوم: نحن فخورون بالترحيب بضيوفنا الكرام والمتحدثين الرئيسيين السيدات الأوائل من 17 دولة أفريقية من أنغولا، وبوتسوانا، وبوركينا فاسو، وبوروندي، وجمهورية أفريقيا الوسطى، وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، وغانا، وغينيا كوناكري، وليبيريا، وملاوي، وموزمبيق، وناميبيا، والوزراء الأفارقة من مختلف القطاعات من أكثر من 25 دولة، وتم مناقشة استراتيجيتنا لتنمية الرعاية الصحية وتدريب المئاتت من الخبراء الطبيين المدربين المتخصصين ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم والمبادرات لكسر وصمة العقم ودعم تعليم الفتيات
وأضافت “قلج”: نؤمن دائمًا بأهمية بناء تدريب الاطباء والكوادر الطبيه وتنمية الرعاية الصحية من خلال توفير التدريب لمقدمي الرعاية الصحية في العديد من التخصصات الطبية، أيضًا كاستجابة لوباء COVID 19، اعتمدنا إستراتيجية التعليم الطبي عبر الإنترنت حتى نتمكن من مواصلة جهودنا لبناء قدرات الرعاية الصحية؛ وأنا فخور جدًا بأننا قدمنا حتى الآن لأكثر من 1100 طبيب من 42 دولة في جميع أنحاء أفريقيا وآسيا وأمريكا اللاتينية، تدريب تخصصي لمدة عام أو عامين أو ثلاثة أعوام في مجالات متعددة مثل الأورام والسكري وطب القلب والأوعية الدموية الوقائي، طب الغدد الصماء، الطب الجنسي والإنجابي، الرعايه المركزه، الطب التنفسي، طب الإنجاب والخصوبة، ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم، علاوة على ذلك قمنا الآن بتقديم المزيد من المنح الدراسية للأطباء الشباب في العديد من التخصصات الجديدة المهمه لمعظم الدول في انحاء أفريقيا وآسيا
https://www.albawabhnews.com/4340319
رشا قلج تعلن توصيات المؤتمر الثامن لمؤسسة «ميرك» الخيرية
أعلنت الدكتورة رشا قلج عضو مجلس الشيوخ المصري، ورئيس مؤسسة ميرك الدولية الخيرية توصيات أعمال مؤتمر القمع الثامن لمؤسسة ميرك الخيرية التي عُقدت خلال الأيام الماضية بالشراكة مع حكومة جمهورية زامبيا، حيث تم عقد المؤتمر على منصة افتراضية، وافتتحه “إدغار شاغوا لونغو”، رئيس زامبيا مع البروفيسور الدكتور “فرانك ستانجينبيرج هافركامب”، رئيس ومالك شركة ميرك الألمانية والذي ترأسته كل من والسيدة استر لونغو، السيدة الأولى لزامبيا و الدكتورة رشا كيليج، الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة ميرك
وقالت الدكتورة رشا قلج ، عضو مجلس الشيوخ نحن فخورون بالترحيب بضيوفنا الكرام والمتحدثين الرئيسيين السيدات الأوائل من 17 دولة أفريقية من أنغولا، وبوتسوانا، وبوركينا فاسو، وبوروندي، وجمهورية إفريقيا الوسطى، وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، وغانا، وغينيا كوناكري، وليبيريا، وملاوي، وموزمبيق، وناميبيا، والوزراء الأفارقة من مختلف القطاعات من أكثر من 25 دولة، وتم مناقشة استراتيجيتنا لتنمية الرعاية الصحية وتدريب المئاتت من الخبراء الطبيين المدربين المتخصصين ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم والمبادرات لكسر وصمة العقم ودعم تعليم الفتيات.
وأضافت “قلج”: نؤمن دائمًا بأهمية بناء تدريب الاطباء و الكوادر الطبيه و تنميه الرعاية الصحية من خلال توفير التدريب لمقدمي الرعاية الصحية في العديد من التخصصات الطبية، أيضًا كاستجابة لوباء COVID 19 ، اعتمدنا استراتيجية التعليم الطبي عبر الإنترنت حتى نتمكن من مواصلة جهودنا لبناء قدرات الرعاية الصحية؛ و أنا فخور جدًا بأننا قدمنا حتى الآن لأكثر من 1100 طبيب من 42 دولة في جميع أنحاء إفريقيا وآسيا وأمريكا اللاتينية، تدريب تخصصي لمدة عام أو عامين أو ثلاثة أعوام في مجالات متعددة مثل الأورام والسكري وطب القلب والأوعية الدموية الوقائي، طب الغدد الصماء، الطب الجنسي والإنجابي ، الرعايه المركزه، الطب التنفسي، طب الإنجاب والخصوبة ، ليكونوا الأوائل في بلدانهم، علاوة على ذلك قمنا الآن بتقديم المزيد من المنح الدراسية للأطباء الشباب في العديد من التخصصات الجديدة المهمه لمعظم الدول في انحاء إفريقيا وآسيا
فيما قال رئيس زامبيا “إدغار شاغوا لونغو” خلال كلمته الافتتاحية : أنا سعيد للغاية لاستضافة هذا المؤتمر الهام مع مؤسسة ميرك ، شريكنا الاستراتيجي. إنه لشرف عظيم أن أفتتح المؤتمر جنباً إلى جنب مع السيدات الأوائل في إفريقيا. أنا على يقين من أن هذا المؤتمر سيساعدنا على استكشاف المزيد من فرص الشراكة وتقديم فرص جديدة للتعاون في مجال التنميه الصحية والتوعيه المجتمعيه لكسر وصمة العقم بالاضافه الي دعم تعليم الفتيات
Nigeria: African First Ladies Commit to Equitable Healthcare, Capacity Building in Region
By Ojoma Akor
First ladies in the African region have pledged to ensure access to quality and equitable healthcare in their various countries and the region.
Thirteen first ladies made the commitment during the ongoing 8th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary virtual conference held in partnership with the Government of Zambia.
Over 2000 participants from over 70 countries, and drawn from the health sector, academia, policy makers and the media are participating in the meeting.
While enumerating the milestones of Merck Foundation in addressing healthcare challenges in their various countries, the first ladies also promised to continue to partner with the foundation to build the capacity of health personnel and address stigma around infertility in the region .
Those taking part in the programme are the First Ladies of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Liberia, Clar Marie Weah, Zambia, Esther Lungu, Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço, Botswana, Neo Jane Masisi, and Burkina Faso Sika Kabore.
Others are First ladies of Guinea , Djènè Condé, Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, Central African Republic, Brigitte Touadera, Democratic Republic of Congo , Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, Malawi, Monica Chakwera, Mozambique, Isaura Ferrão Nyusi and Namibia , Monica Geingos.
Madam Brigitte Touadera, the First Lady of the Central African Republic said, “On behalf of the Central African Republic, we are very proud and happy to partner with Merck Foundation and work closely with them to support us to advance and build our healthcare capacity in the Central Africa Republic and the rest of Africa.
“Till today we have enrolled 13 local doctors in the specialty training of oncology and diabetes and I will continue working closely with our ministry of health to identify the right candidates who will join the oncology, diabetes and fertility training and fellowship.
“Together with Merck Foundation, I am fully committed to work closely to introduce innovative ideas that will engage different sectors to create a culture shift with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and make a great impact in a short time.”
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Ghana, said the partnership with the foundation, has enabled the country provide more than 60 healthcare providers with specialty training in the fields of cancer, diabetes, cardiology, endocrinology, respiratory, acute medicines, sexual and reproductive medicines, fertility and embryology.
“All these fields are very critical to our country. And definitely, this will contribute to our battle against coronavirus and other diseases. We are also working closely on ‘Educating Linda’ program to inspire girls and sensitize communities about the importance of girl education,” she said.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, said the foundation started the capacity building strategy in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health and medical societies since 2012, adding that it contributed significantly towards transforming the landscape of the public healthcare sector and towards advancing patient care in 42 countries.
She said more than 1, 100 doctors from 42 countries have benefited from Merck Foundation scholarship and that more will join in the next few years to benefit from more scholarships in more specialties .
Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp , Chairman of Board of Trustees , Merck Foundation , and Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, said the foundation in response to the pandemic focused on supporting livelihoods of thousands of women and casual workers’ families affected in more than 18 countries .
Inaugurating the conference, President of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, said human resource for health is a critical investment in ensuring that people are healthy and productive. He enjoined African countries to continue programmes that build health capacity and train healthcare providers at all levels.
Read the original article on Daily Trust.
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inaugurated by Zambia President and 13 African First Ladies
Business Wire India
- Merck Foundation annual conference was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees
- The 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” was co-chaired by H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
- African First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia were the Guests of Honour for the Luminary.
- More than 75,000 participants, healthcare providers, policymakers, and academia from 70 countries attended the Luminary.
Merck Foundationand Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
During his keynote speech, while inaugurating the conference, The President of Zambia, H.E Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU emphasized, “I am very glad to be hosting this important conference together with Merck Foundation, our long term strategic partner. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa. I am certain that this conference will help us to further explore partnership opportunities and introduce new frameworks for cooperation in the area of health care capacity building and to define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girl education.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees expressed, “I would like to welcome and also thank our partners, African First Ladies, African Ministers and health experts from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the rest of the world to join hands with us in order to realize Merck Foundation’s vision: ‘Everyone in the world should lead a happy and fulfilling life’, we have achieved together, a huge success and we are going to continue and extend our support to achieve more.”
During her Keynote address and welcome speech, H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Co-chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021 emphasized, “I am very happy to co-chair and host this important conference of Merck Foundation and also to celebrate together the 4th anniversary of Merck Foundation, our long term partner in building healthcare capacity and improving access to health, information and breaking the infertility stigma. Also, I am delighted to have my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa at this conference.”
Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “We welcomed The First Ladies of 13 African Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More than a Mother, to this important conference. Together, we have worked closely throughout the years on a strong strategy to build healthcare capacity by providing specialized training in various specialties; and define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girls’ education.
I am very proud that we have so far provided for more than 1100 Doctors from 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with one & two-, three-year specialty training in multiple fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology & Fertility specialty, to be the first in their countries. Moreover, we have now widened our horizons by introducing more scholarships for young doctors in many new underserved specialties across Africa and Asia.”
The 8th Edition of the Luminary marked another important milestone: the 4th Anniversary of Merck Foundation.
As part of the Luminary, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) High-Level Panel was conducted, which was attended by the 13 African First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.
The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia as the host and co-chairperson of the conference along withH.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of AngolaH.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of the Republic of BotswanaH.E. Madam SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina FasoH.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of the Republic of BurundiH.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African RepublicH.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The CongoH.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of the Republic of GhanaH.E. Madam DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of the Republic of Guinea ConakryH.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of the Republic of LiberiaH.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of the Republic of MalawiH.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of MozambiqueH.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of the Republic of Namibia
The Day 1 of the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was attended by more than 75,000 participants, Healthcare providers, policymakers, academia, researchers, and media from more than 70 Countries in three languages English French and Portuguese.
On Day 2 of the conference, MARS- Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit will be held where a High-Level Panel Discussion with Ministers of Health, Science and Technology, Education, Information And Gender and MARS Researchers will be held with the objective to empower African young researchers & women researchers, advancing their research capacity and empower them in STEM.
On the third day, 29th April, Merck Foundation Health Media Training will be organized for the African and Latin American Media fraternity to emphasize the important role that media plays to break the stigma around infertility, in raising awareness about infertility prevention, and empowering girls and women through education.
Other important scientific sessions in different medical fields will also be held in parallel on Day 2 and Day 3 of the Luminary.
Countries participating include Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will be streamed live on 29th April 2021 from 13h to 18:00h (Gulf Standard Time), @Merck Foundation Facebook page and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook page.
Click on the link below to Download Merck Foundation App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation&hl=en
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inaugurated by Zambia President and 13 African First Ladies
- Merck Foundation annual conference was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees
- The 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” was co-chaired by H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
- African First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia were the Guests of Honour for the Luminary.
- More than 75,000 participants, healthcare providers, policymakers, and academia from 70 countries attended the Luminary.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KgaA kickstarted the 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” on 27th April 2021, through an online videoconference. It was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
During his keynote speech, while inaugurating the conference, The President of Zambia, H.E Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU emphasized, “I am very glad to be hosting this important conference together with Merck Foundation, our long term strategic partner. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa. I am certain that this conference will help us to further explore partnership opportunities and introduce new frameworks for cooperation in the area of health care capacity building and to define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girl education.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees expressed, “I would like to welcome and also thank our partners, African First Ladies, African Ministers and health experts from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the rest of the world to join hands with us in order to realize Merck Foundation’s vision: ‘Everyone in the world should lead a happy and fulfilling life’, we have achieved together, a huge success and we are going to continue and extend our support to achieve more.”
During her Keynote address and welcome speech, H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Co-chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021 emphasized, “I am very happy to co-chair and host this important conference of Merck Foundation and also to celebrate together the 4th anniversary of Merck Foundation, our long term partner in building healthcare capacity and improving access to health, information and breaking the infertility stigma. Also, I am delighted to have my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa at this conference.”
Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “We welcomed The First Ladies of 13 African Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More than a Mother, to this important conference. Together, we have worked closely throughout the years on a strong strategy to build healthcare capacity by providing specialized training in various specialties; and define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girls’ education.
I am very proud that we have so far provided for more than 1100 Doctors from 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with one & two-, three-year specialty training in multiple fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology & Fertility specialty, to be the first in their countries. Moreover, we have now widened our horizons by introducing more scholarships for young doctors in many new underserved specialties across Africa and Asia.”
The 8th Edition of the Luminary marked another important milestone: the 4th Anniversary of Merck Foundation.
As part of the Luminary, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) High-Level Panel was conducted, which was attended by the 13 African First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.
The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia as the host and co-chairperson of the conference along with
- H.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
- H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana
- H.E. Madam SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
- H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
- H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic
- H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo
- H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
- H.E. Madam DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of the Republic of Guinea Conakry
- H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
- H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi
- H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
- H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of the Republic of Namibia
The Day 1 of the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was attended by more than 75,000 participants, Healthcare providers, policymakers, academia, researchers, and media from more than 70 Countries in three languages English French and Portuguese.
On Day 2 of the conference, MARS- Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit will be held where a High-Level Panel Discussion with Ministers of Health, Science and Technology, Education, Information And Gender and MARS Researchers will be held with the objective to empower African young researchers & women researchers, advancing their research capacity and empower them in STEM.
On the third day, 29th April, Merck Foundation Health Media Training will be organized for the African and Latin American Media fraternity to emphasize the important role that media plays to break the stigma around infertility, in raising awareness about infertility prevention, and empowering girls and women through education.
Other important scientific sessions in different medical fields will also be held in parallel on Day 2 and Day 3 of the Luminary.
Countries participating include Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will be streamed live on 29th April 2021 from 13h to 18:00h (Gulf Standard Time), @Merck Foundation Facebook page and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook page.
Click on the link below to Download Merck Foundation App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation&hl=en
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Inaugurated by Zambia President and 13 African First Ladies
- Merck Foundation annual conference was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees
- The 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” was co-chaired by H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation
- African First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia were the Guests of Honour for the Luminary.
- More than 75,000 participants, healthcare providers, policymakers, and academia from 70 countries attended the Luminary.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KgaA kickstarted the 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” on 27th April 2021, through an online videoconference. It was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
During his keynote speech, while inaugurating the conference, The President of Zambia, H.E Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU emphasized, “I am very glad to be hosting this important conference together with Merck Foundation, our long term strategic partner. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa. I am certain that this conference will help us to further explore partnership opportunities and introduce new frameworks for cooperation in the area of health care capacity building and to define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girl education.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees expressed, “I would like to welcome and also thank our partners, African First Ladies, African Ministers and health experts from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the rest of the world to join hands with us in order to realize Merck Foundation’s vision: ‘Everyone in the world should lead a happy and fulfilling life’, we have achieved together, a huge success and we are going to continue and extend our support to achieve more.”
During her Keynote address and welcome speech, H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Co-chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021 emphasized, “I am very happy to co-chair and host this important conference of Merck Foundation and also to celebrate together the 4th anniversary of Merck Foundation, our long term partner in building healthcare capacity and improving access to health, information and breaking the infertility stigma. Also, I am delighted to have my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa at this conference.”
Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “We welcomed The First Ladies of 13 African Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More than a Mother, to this important conference. Together, we have worked closely throughout the years on a strong strategy to build healthcare capacity by providing specialized training in various specialties; and define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girls’ education.
I am very proud that we have so far provided for more than 1100 Doctors from 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with one & two-, three-year specialty training in multiple fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology & Fertility specialty, to be the first in their countries. Moreover, we have now widened our horizons by introducing more scholarships for young doctors in many new underserved specialties across Africa and Asia.”
The 8th Edition of the Luminary marked another important milestone: the 4th Anniversary of Merck Foundation.
As part of the Luminary, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) High-Level Panel was conducted, which was attended by the 13 African First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.
The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia as the host and co-chairperson of the conference along with
- H.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
- H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana
- H.E. Madam SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
- H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
- H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic
- H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo
- H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
- H.E. Madam DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of the Republic of Guinea Conakry
- H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
- H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi
- H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
- H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of the Republic of Namibia
The Day 1 of the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was attended by more than 75,000 participants, Healthcare providers, policymakers, academia, researchers, and media from more than 70 Countries in three languages English French and Portuguese.
On Day 2 of the conference, MARS- Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit will be held where a High-Level Panel Discussion with Ministers of Health, Science and Technology, Education, Information And Gender and MARS Researchers will be held with the objective to empower African young researchers & women researchers, advancing their research capacity and empower them in STEM.
On the third day, 29th April, Merck Foundation Health Media Training will be organized for the African and Latin American Media fraternity to emphasize the important role that media plays to break the stigma around infertility, in raising awareness about infertility prevention, and empowering girls and women through education.
Other important scientific sessions in different medical fields will also be held in parallel on Day 2 and Day 3 of the Luminary.
Countries participating include Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will be streamed live on 29th April 2021 from 13h to 18:00h (Gulf Standard Time), @Merck Foundation Facebook page and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook page.
Click on the link below to Download Merck Foundation App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation&hl=en
Zimbabwean president wishes Chinese people Happy New Year
By XINHUA
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has wished the Chinese people a Happy New Year.
“A Happy New Year to the government and the people of China. May this year bring health, happiness, prosperity and success to our friends in China, to the people of Zimbabwe and to humanity as a whole,” Mnangagwa said.
The Chinese New Year 2021 falls on Feb. 12 and in terms of the Chinese lunar calendar, it is the year of the ox.
Mnangagwa observed that the New Year in China is famously celebrated with elaborate fireworks, light and lanterns, signifying light and positivity for the future.
“May we all look forward to the light of positivity this New Year will bring us,” he said.
Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to thank the Chinese government and its people for their generous donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe will on next Monday receive 200,000 doses of vaccine that were donated by China, the first vaccine it has received as it steps up efforts to procure more jabs to inoculate at least 60 percent of the population.
“Our dear friends of China, these vaccines are certainly providing a new light of positivity for the people of Zimbabwe in these tough times. A light at the end of a dark tunnel. We are most grateful for this lifesaving gesture,” Mnangagwa said.
He said it was befitting that this year was the year of the ox as it truly represents China’s traits of being a dependable, reliable and loyal partner to Zimbabwe.
“Like the ox in the field – we must knuckle down and work hard. Work with humility, modesty and drive.
“In the spirit of our unique friendship, and in the spirit of the New Year, I once again wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year – one of strength, positivity and light for all,” Mnangagwa said.
President el-Sisi affirms Egypt’s support for AfCFTA
By Jerry Omondi
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Sunday reiterated his country’s support of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
El-Sisi made the pledge in a meeting with the AfCFTA Secretary General Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, who is on an official visit to the North African country.
“The President affirmed Egypt’s full support for the activities and work of the agreement, which represents a promising start for continental integration in Africa, in pursuit of the desired economic and trade integration for the African countries,” said a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
“The President also asserted that Egypt is fully prepared to provide its expertise, in this regard, for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enter into force, indicating that the stability factor is extremely important to provide a favorable environment for the success of the efforts and activities made to keep the agreement on track.”
On his part, Mene affirmed his keenness to benefit from Egypt’s development experience with a view to enhancing the efforts of the AfCFTA and achieving success.
The AfCFTA’s operational phase was launched at the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU), which was held from 7 – 8 July 2019.
The free trade area is expected to create a market for over a billion people, with a GDP of approximately US$2.6 trillion.
Various leaders have hailed the AfCFTA, terming it a game changer in Africa’s trade sector.