Newsletters & Articles

Merck Foundation More Than A Mother Movement

Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program

Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program

Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program

Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit - MFFLI

Merck Foundation STEM Program

Merck Foundation Educating Linda Program

Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies

Merck Foundation CEO meets the 125 Winners from 36 Countries- “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards 2024, announced in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa

Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive &amp; Fertility Experts in many countries

Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Merck Foundation CEO and First Ladies of Africa and Asia share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape, Supporting Girl Education and Breaking Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation, alongside African and Asian First Ladies, celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 through their impactful campaigns “More Than a Mother” and “Scholarship Program,” honoring women’s strength and achievements, as highlighted by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej

Merck Foundation provides close to 1050 scholarships out of their 2230 scholarships for women doctors as part of their Women Empowerment Efforts - Marking International Women’s Day 2025

Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow”: Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation

Merck Foundation CEO together with African First Ladies Africa mark International Women’s Day 2025 through their Impactful Development Programs

Merck Foundation CEO in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia announce the Call for Application for their two FASHION Awards 2025

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and Africa’s First Ladies announce winners of Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2023 to Empower Infertile Women, End Child Marriage &amp; Support Girl Education

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2024

Merck Foundation CEO meets the 83 Winners of “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards 2023, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa

Marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024

Merck Foundation CEO keeps supporting Girl Education to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Africa and beyond

Announced the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Media, Fashion, Film, and Song Awards 2024

Merck Foundation conducted the Health Media Training during their Annual Conference Africa Asia Luminary in India

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to support women empowerment and girl education.

Merck Foundation marks International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls – “Our Africa” TV Program, Songs and Children storybook

&nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="height:900px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/1.JPG"> Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation Link to the <a href="https://www.vogue.in/promotion/how-one-woman-is-breaking-stigmas-on-infertility-and-supporting-girl-child-education-through-art-and-fashion?fbclid=IwAR3rOyGRc0c5XHhM7a-CFytn6DmcjlY9Ez_dwFJhRfH9h4NwNuICs0yc-S8">Vogue Coverage</a>Spearheading several community awareness campaigns in Africa, Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, sheds light upon being a voice for the voiceless. Recently, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany concluded its 10th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in Mumbai and 11 years of development programmes.The ‘First Ladies of Africa’, who work closely as their ambassadors, participated as guests of honour. The conference was attended by 10,000 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, academia and media representatives from 70 English, French, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries through the hybrid model to benefit from five parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20231204151434-1.jpeg"> Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation together with First Ladies of Africa, CAR, Liberia, Malawi, Burundi, Sao Tome, Cabo Verde, Ghana, The Gambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.In an interview with&nbsp;Vogue&nbsp;India, she talks about how the organisation has been empowering women through art and fashion. Excerpts from the interview1. What was your inspiration behind starting the Merck Foundation's ‘More than Mother’ campaign to empower childless women?During my visit to Uganda, in 2012, I met many infertile women and heard terrible stories of their suffering and abuse by their husbands, in-laws and community due to their inability to give birth to a child. The women were solely blamed for infertility, although 50% of infertility cases are due to male infertility. So, I created the ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign that aims to empower women who live with infertility stigma through access to health, information, education and a change of mindset.Over the past seven years, together with 22 First Ladies of Africa, we provided more than 570 scholarships for doctors in 42 countries to advance fertility, sexual and reproductive care capacity in Africa and Asia. We also support these women by helping them start their small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.We also addressed this stigma through art and fashion by stating the fashion, music and film awards to encourage young African talents to be the voice of the voiceless through their creations.<img class="image_resized" style="height:450px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20231204151434-2.jpeg"> Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with “More Than a Mother” Heroines in Uganda2. Tell us more about how the Merck Foundation has been actively involved in healthcare capacity building across Africa.Since 2012, we have been transforming the patient care landscape in Africa and Asia by providing more than 1,700 scholarships for one-year diplomas and two-year master's degrees to doctors across 50 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialities.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20231204151434-3.jpeg"> Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with Merck Foundation Alumni3. How are you advocating for girls’ education and women's empowerment?When girls are educated, they become independent. Through our ‘Educating Linda’ programme, we provide scholarships for them till they graduate. I strongly believe that educating girls is a strong strategy to stop child marriage, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, sexually transmitted diseases, and also discovering the best vaccine for HIV.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20231204151434-4.jpeg"> Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with schoolgirls in Namibia4.&nbsp; Tell us more about your focus on fashion and art to facilitate cultural change.I believe fashion and art can be critical partners in creating a culture shift and being the voice of the voiceless. Therefore, we have created over 30 songs, eight inspiring children’s storybooks, seven animation films, a TV show, trained 3,000 media representatives from 30 African countries, and launched eight important awards.5.&nbsp; Tell us more about your TV show ‘Our Africa’.I produced and hosted the first-ever Pan Africa TV programme that addresses various social and health issues through ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’, a community we established in 2020. The programme is currently broadcast on leading TV stations in many African countries.6. As a woman philanthropist and leader, what advice would you give to young women who are aspiring to lead the path to success?My message to all young women is: believe in yourself, work hard and never allow anyone to let you down. Put your heart, mind and soul into everything you do, this is the success recipe. And when you make it, do not forget to support other women, remember it will be your turn.<img class="image_resized" style="height:260px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20231204151434-5.jpeg"> Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej with First Ladies of Africa, (L-R) Sao Tome, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi, Botswana and Burundi&nbsp;Suivre sur <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/FB%284%29.png" alt=""> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/KelejRasha/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Kelej Rasha</a> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.instagram.com/rasha_kelej/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Instagram%283%29.png" alt="">Rasha Kelej</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/twitter%284%29.png" alt=""> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://twitter.com/Rashakelej"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Rasha Kelej</a> <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:41px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:41px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Webp_net-resizeimage+%288%29%2821%29.png" alt=""><a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#000000;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO_bN_T_NodcOYwcPjknaog"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Rasha Kelej</a>

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej in an exclusive interview with Vogue

Vogue article; How one woman is breaking stigmas on infertility and supporting girl child education through Art and Fashion

Call for Applications for Fashion Awards 2022 are announced.

Merck Foundation CEO and African First Ladies announced the Winners of Fashion Awards 2021 of “More Than a mother”

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2033 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej on announcing the 84 winners of their 2022 Media Recognition Awards from 21 African countries

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2023 for two Merck Foundation FILM Awards in partnership with African First Ladies

Merck Foundation CEO, African First Ladies announce winners of their Film Awards 2022 to Break Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2023 for two Merck Foundation SONG Awards

Merck Foundation CEO in partnership with African First Ladies announce Winners of their SONG AWARDS 2022 to prevent Diabetes & Hypertension and promote healthy lifestyle

Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022 Winners:

Merck Foundation CEO, African First Ladies announce winners of their Fashion Awards 2022 to empower infertile women, end child marriage & support girl education

Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark ‘World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day’ by providing 400 scholarships to develop Embryologists and Fertility &amp; reproductive Specialists across Africa and Asia

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej on Marking ‘World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day’ by providing 400 scholarships to develop Embryologists and Fertility &amp; reproductive Specialists across Africa and Asia

CEO of Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recognized the felicitation ceremony

Central African Republic  &amp;  Niger First Ladies acknowledge Merck Foundation 2021 Media Awards Winners

Merck Foundation CEO meets Zimbabwe First Lady to underscore their long-term partnership to build healthcare capacity, break infertility Stigma and Support girl education in the country

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on meeting The First Lady of Zimbabwe at State House, Harare

Merck foundation provides more than 80 scholarships to Zambian doctors in 32 critical and underserved specialties with the aim to improve access to equitable and quality health care solutions in the country

Merck Foundation CEO awarded the First Lady of Zambia to be The Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More than a Mother” to break Infertility Stigma and Support Girl Education

Merck Foundation conducts its first Health Media Training in Mozambique

Merck Foundation conducts its first Health Media Training in Mozambique in partnership with The First Lady &amp; University Eduardo Mondlane &amp; National Union of Journalists, Mozambique

“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV Program third episode to Break Infertility Stigma

La Fondation Merck et la Société Africaine de Soins Reproductifs ont annoncé une adhésion annuelle gratuite pour les anciens de la Fondation Merck lors de leur Premier Sommet Conjoint Annuel

La Fondation Merck et la Société Africaine de Soins Reproductifs (ARCS) annoncent leur partenariat lors de leur Premier Sommet Conjoint Annuel 2022

20 Premières Dames Africaines en tant qu'Ambassadrices de la campagne « Plus Qu'une Mère » de la Fondation Merck

La Fondation Merck désignée comme l'ONG la Plus Influente dont les efforts collectifs façonnent l'avenir de l'Afrique

La Fondation Merck a également annoncé le Prix Annuel MARS pour apprécier et reconnaître les « Meilleures Chercheuses Africaines » dans leurs efforts pour autonomiser les femmes dans les STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie, Mathématiques).

La Fondation Merck célèbre la Journée Internationale de la Femme à travers des programmes visant à soutenir l'éducation des filles et l'autonomisation des femmes dans les STEM en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines.

A Merck Foundation e as Primeiras-Damas Africanas anunciam a nova edição do Prémio do Cinema Merck Foundation “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2022

CEO da Merck Foundation e Primeiras-Damas Africanas anunciam os vencedores do Prémio do Cinema Merck Foundation “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2021 para quebrar o stigma da infertilidade e apoiar a formação das meninas em África

Merck Foundation aims to raise awareness about violence against females, empower girls and women through education to bring in a culture shift through media, art, and fashion.

Merck Foundation marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2022

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany organized their first “Merck Foundation Health Media Training” via Videoconference on 15th December 2021 in partnership with H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother for The Gambian media.

Merck Foundation CEO inaugurated their first Health Media Training for Gambian Media Fraternity in partnership with Gambia the First Lady

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, an African woman to hold the position of the first CEO to Merck Foundation. She is also Senator at the Egyptian Senate, a strong crusader for transforming patient care in Africa and developing countries, passionate advocate of women’s rights and girls’ education, one of the most influential African women in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Rasha Kelej, Sénatrice et Merck Foundation CEO, « héroïne » méconnu de l'autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes en Afrique

Merck Foundation CEO Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej celebrated the winners of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Fashion Awards 2020 from Ghana, Namibia and Zambia were celebrated during the ceremony

Merck Foundation CEO celebrated the Winners of ‘More Than A Mother’ FASHION Awards 2020 and welcomed them to “Fashion with Purpose” community

Merck Foundation additionally rewarded all the winners with one year of access to an online educational training program called “MasterClass”. 

Merck Foundation and First ladies of Ghana, Namibia and Zambia recognized winners of “More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards with the aim to raise awareness about infertility and breaking its stigma in their countries.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej met H.E. MONICA CHAWERA, The First Lady of Malawi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, to discuss long-term partnership and programs to build healthcare capacity, support girl education, and empower infertile women in Malawi

Merck Foundation awards the First Lady of Malawi for her efforts as the Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” to break infertility stigma

Dr Rasha Kelej is the brain behind the establishment of Merck Foundation and it’s programs, especially the inspiring, ‘More Than A Mother’ campaign – a rallying call against female infertility stigma – for which she was recognised as one of the Most
Influential Africans of 2019 and 2020.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation in an exclusive cover interview with The Nation Magazine from Rwanda.

Merck Foundation Calls for Application for Scholarships for Doctors in critical and  underserved specialties in Africa and Developing countries

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Rasha Kelej, on announcing Call for Application for Scholarships for doctors in critical and underserved specialties for Africa and Developing countries.

The Merck Foundation Health Media Training was attended by African, Asian, and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries.

Merck Foundation Health Media Training and Media Awards 2021 conducted in partnership with African First Ladies to build Media capacity in breaking Infertility stigma and supporting Girl Education

&nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="height:502px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Image+1_Arabic%281%29.jpg" alt=""> The President of Tanzania, Merck Foundation CEO, The Prime Minister of TOGO and The Vice Presidents of Uganda and Benin amongst 100 Most Influential African Women 2021.تم اختيار الدكتورة رشا قلج عضو مجلس الشيوخ المصري والمدير التنفيذي لمؤسسة ميرك الدولية الخيرية، ورئيسة تنزانيا "سامية حسن صولحو"، ورئيسة وزراء توغو ، ونائبات رئيس أوغندا وبنين ، باعتبارهن أكثر النساء&nbsp; تأثيرًا في افريقيا ، حيث أصدرت مجموعةAvance Media Group &nbsp;كجزء من مبادرة "Be a Girl" قائمة أكثر 100 امرأة&nbsp; تأثيرًا في افريقيا&nbsp; لعام 2021 للاعتراف بجهودهن وإنجازاتهن ، وتضم القائمة 100 امرأة أفريقية الأكثر نفوذاً تمثيلاً لأقوى امرأة أفريقية من 28 دولة أفريقية ، تم اختيارهن بناءا على خلفيات مهنية مختلفة بما في ذلك الدبلوماسية والعمل الخيري والسياسة والنشاط وريادة الأعمال وقيادة الأعمال والترفيه. والتي تستمر في إلهام الشباب في جميع أنحاء القارة الأفريقية وخارجها، تم تكريم الدكتورة رشا قلج لجهودها في تنميه وتحسين رعاية المرضى في إفريقيا، وكسر وصمة العقم من خلال حملة "أكثر من مجرد أم". وتمكين الفتيات من التعليم حتى يتمكنوا من الوصول إلى إمكاناتهم وتحقيق أحلامهن من خلال حملة " تعليم ليندا"،&nbsp; وبهذا تحصل رشا قلج على لقب المراه&nbsp; الأكثر تأثيرا في افريقيا للمرة الرابعة على التوالي ، السناتور ، الدكتورة رشا قلج&nbsp; قد تم تكريمها سابقًا من قبل مجلة New African Magazine البريطانية . الافريقيه الاكثر تاثيرا في ألعالم في 2019 و 2020 ، لجهودها الملموسة في تمكين المرأة بشكل عام والنساء المصابات بالعقم بشكل خاص من خلال حملة أكثر من مجرد أم. <a href="https://100women.avancemedia.org/2021-honourees/">https://100women.avancemedia.org/2021-honourees/</a><img class="image_resized" style="height:599px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Arabic+2.gif" alt="">فتعتبر النائبة رشا قلج واحدة من "أبطال" إفريقيا المجهولين في مجال تمكين المرأة وتمنيه الرعايه&nbsp; الصحيه وفي حديثها عن هذه الجائزة ، قالت : "أنا فخور جدا بهذا التكريم وسعيدة بوجودي في القائمة إلى جانب العديد من النساء الأفريقيات المرموقات والشهيرات. وأهنئ كل واحدة منهن. هذا تقدير كبير من لجهودي في مجال تمكين النساء في قارتي الأفريقية، وهذا التكريم سيحفزني بالتأكيد على الاستمرار بالعمل بجدية أكبر وبصدق أكبر نحو هدفي المتمثل في تحسين رعاية المرضى لشعوب إفريقيا الحبيبة ".&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="height:601px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MicrosoftTeams-image_4.jpg" alt=""> The President of Tanzania, Merck Foundation CEO, The Prime Minister of TOGO and The Vice Presidents of Uganda and Benin amongst 100 Most Influential African Women 2021.رشا قلج هي العقل المدبر وراء حملة "أكثر من مجرد أم" وهي دعوة حاشدة لكسر وصمة العقم عند النساء.&nbsp; تعمل الحملة على تمكين النساء المصابات بالعقم من خلال الوصول إلى المعلومات والصحة وتغيير طريقة التفكير والتمكين الاقتصادي.&nbsp; و قد قامت بتعيين&nbsp; أكثر من 20 سيدة أفريقية أولى كسفيرات "لمؤسسة ميرك أكثر من أم" ،&nbsp; و هي ايضا&nbsp; تعد أيقونة الموضة ورائدة ومؤثرة في تغيير التصور حول كيفية استخدام الموضة والأفلام والموسيقى ووسائل الإعلام لمعالجة القضايا الاجتماعيةو الصحيه&nbsp; الحساسة من خلال مسابقات حملة&nbsp; "أكثر من مجرد أم" في مجال الإعلام و أزياء وأفلام وأغاني.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MicrosoftTeams-image_4+Gambia.jpg" alt=""> Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation with the heroines of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" in The Gambia<img class="image_resized" style="height:402px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Pic+3%283%29.png" alt=""> Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation with the heroines of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" in Uganda.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MicrosoftTeams-image_5+Uganda.jpg" alt=""> Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Minister of State of Health Uganda, Hon. Sarah Opendi with ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ women groups in Uganda.<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:14pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Follow On <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/FB%284%29.png" alt=""> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/KelejRasha/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Kelej Rasha</a> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.instagram.com/rasha_kelej/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Instagram%2816%29.png" alt="">Rasha Kelej</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:40px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:40px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/twitter%284%29.png" alt=""> <a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#292b2c;cursor:pointer;margin:0px;outline-offset:-2px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://twitter.com/Rashakelej"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Rasha Kelej</a> <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><img class="image_resized" style="border-radius:10px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;height:39px;margin:0px 0px 10px;max-width:100%;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:41px;" src="https://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/assets/plugins/ckfinder/core/connector/php/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;lang=en&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;hash=36d151d14dfb6a22&amp;fileName=image-20210127102359-3.png" alt=""><a style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:#000000;margin:0px;outline:none !important;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;transition:all 0.3s ease 0s;" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO_bN_T_NodcOYwcPjknaog"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:verdana;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">@Rasha Kelej</a>

رئيسه تنزانيا و النائبة رشا قلج تحصلان على لقب الأفريقية الأكثر تأثيرا في العالم لعام 2021

The Burundi First Lady had also attended Merck Foundation’s first Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) VC Summit held last month, which was attended by a total of 13 African First Ladies and introduced her development programs in Burundi”.

Merck Foundation partners with Burundi First Lady to build healthcare capacity, empower girls in education and break the infertility stigma

Merck Foundation in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius to conduct Merck Foundation Health Media Training, particularly for Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles media fraternities

Merck Foundation Health Media Training to be organized virtually in partnership with Mauritius Media Trust Board for Mauritian, Madagascar and Seychelles media to break Infertility stigma and support girl education and raise awareness about coronavirus

La Formation des Médias sur la Santé de la Fondation Merck a été suivie par des journalistes africains, asiatiques et latino-américains de plus de 35 pays.

Formation des Médias sur la Santé de la Fondation Merck et les Prix des Médias 2021 menés en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines pour renforcer les capacités des médias à briser la stigmatisation liée à l'infertilité et à soutenir l'éducation des filles

Ce partenariat fait partie de l'initiative de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu'une Mère.

Partenariat de la Fondation Merck avec la Société des Soins de Reproduction d’Afrique (ARCS) pour renforcer les capacités de soins de fertilité et bâtir un plaidoyer en Afrique

The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Mrs. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, emphasized, “On behalf of Zimbabwe, we extend congratulations to our esteemed partner Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, on her recent appointment and recognition. 

Zimbabwe First Lady congratulates Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej for her nomination as The African Woman of the Year 2020

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted their first Video Conference Summit of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) on 31st August 2020 to define and follow up on different joint programs that aims to advance public healthcare sector capacity and strengthen the response to COVID 19 in their countries.

Merck Foundation's first Online Summit with African First Ladies to strengthen healthcare capacity and joint response to COVID 19

« Merck Plus Qu'une Mère » de la Fondation Merck vise à autonomiser les femmes sans enfant à travers l'accès à l'information, à la santé et au changement de mentalité

La Fondation Merck célèbre la Journée Internationale de la Femme à travers sa campagne « Merck Plus Qu'une Mère »

Merck Foundation received a great response from African journalists in the form of several excellent entries

Merck Foundation CEO celebrates the winners of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Africa Media Recognition Awards 2020 to break infertility stigma

“We at Merck Foundation celebrate Women’s Day every day by empowering women and girls through education, information, health, and change of mindset as part of “More than a Mother” campaign, says Dr. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother

Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies marks International Women’s Day through their “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda”

This song is created by Merck More than a Mother Song Award Winners, a talented band from Burundi.

Merck Foundation and Buntu Foundation presents Merck More than a Mother (Plus qu'une mère) Song as courtesy to all infertile women in Burundi &amp; Africa

Merck Foundation makes history by training the first African Embryologists and Fertility Experts in many countries such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Merck Foundation marks World Embryologists Day through their ‘More Than a Mother’ Campaign to build fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia

The winners got an opportunity to exhibit their designs at the Fashion Show held during the 6th Edition of Merck Africa Asia Luminary.

Merck Foundation and Ghana First Lady announced the Winners of “Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards to break Infertility Stigma

&nbsp;

<div class="video-single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPTCucad2uU" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe> 
Merck More Than A Mother Song by Sunita, a Gambian singer</div>

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with the First Lady of The Gambia,&nbsp;H.E. Madam FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, released an empowering song to break the stigma around infertility in Africa and rest of the world as part of Merck more than a Mother community awareness campaign. The song has been written and composed by&nbsp;Sunita, a young female artist from The Gambia.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Gam_S1_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;"> 
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother with H.E.&nbsp;Madam FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother

Dr.&nbsp;Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother&nbsp;explained "This song is part of Merck More than a Mother Movement to discover African talent that can produce songs, music, movies and fashion to address the stigma of infertility to sensitize African communities to say ‘No for infertility stigma’ and to raise awareness about women’s role in society which beyond only being mothers. Women are not baby making machines, they are productive members in society whether they are mothers or not, moreover men equally can be the cause of infertility like women so why are they are solely been blamed for it”. 
 
The song urges men to support their wives during the treatment journey of building a family and delivers an important message ‘Fertility is a Shared Responsibility’. 
 
Merck Foundation has been working at all levels to brings in a cultural shift in the African society.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Gam_S2_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;">

Merck Foundation has also underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity in the country by partnering with&nbsp;H.E. Madam FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW,The First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother. 
 
H.E. Madam FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother explained, “It has been a pleasure working with Merck Foundation. Their innovative programs have been very beneficial for the people of our country. The training Merck Foundation is providing to our doctors is proving to be very valuable to us.&nbsp;Around twenty doctors will be provided by one year and two years training to be able to have our first ever Oncologist and Oncology team, and first fertility specialists and Embryologist. We did not have before a cancer care clinic or oncologist or even fertility specialist or clinic. Now, couples will find the care they deserve, and they will have option to have the assurance they need if they chose to have children. We are making history with Merck Foundation”

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Gam_S3_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;">

Dr. Rasha Kelej&nbsp;emphasized, “After our committee meeting with Her Excellency in 2017 in Egypt&nbsp; at Merck Africa Asia Luminary, our programs have started in partnership with The Gambia government and we have already enrolled doctor from The Gambia to our specialty training programs for&nbsp;Oncology Master and Fellowship Program, One Year Online Diabetes Diploma&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fertility Specialist Training.&nbsp;I am very proud that we have trained the first ever fertility specialist from The Gambia. Our aim is to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare in the country”. 
 
The local song is Merck Foundation’s effort to break the stigma around infertility, using art as a medium. 
 
“I believe that art can influence the way we think and act as individuals, and as a society. Art&nbsp;allows us to go&nbsp;beyond the boundaries&nbsp;of what we currently know or think. It can be used as a way to challenge society’s current beliefs,&nbsp;generate critical thinking and bring about a positive change. Music on its own has the ability to move people, provoke emotion, and think about any&nbsp;lyrics”, added&nbsp;Dr. Kelej. 
&nbsp; 
About ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign; 
 
“Merck More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe and effective fertility care. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &amp; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries. 
 
With “Merck More than a mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.&nbsp; 
 
The Ambassadors of “Merck More Than a Mother” are:

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Gam_S4_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 295px;">

Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized fertility clinics before ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ intervention, to train the first fertility specialists such as; in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, Guinea, Ethiopia and Uganda.&nbsp; 
Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck more than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAPAIGN, such as;

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother media recognition award and health media training</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother fashion award</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother film award</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Children storybook, localized for each country</li>
</ul>

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<ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.

<ins>About Merck</ins>

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

Merck Foundation releases ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Local Song in partnership with  The Gambia First Lady

Merck Foundation releases ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Local Song in partnership with The Gambia First Lady

Merck Foundation’s ‘Merck More Than A Mother’ aims to empower childless women through access to information, health and change of mindset

Merck Foundation marks International Women’s Day 2020 through their Merck More Than a Mother campaign

&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Merck+Foundation+announces+the+Winners+of++%E2%80%9CMerck+More+Than+a+Mother%E2%80%9D+Fashion+Awards+in+Zambia+to+break+Infertility+Stigma+1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;"> 
Ms. Kasonde Nkole, First Winner with the&nbsp;Model exhibiting outfit designed by&nbsp;her&nbsp;during the Zambia Fashion Week 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck Foundation had invited application from all young Fashion Designers of Zambia to create a design with the aim to break the stigma around infertility in general and around infertile women in particular in Zambia and rest of Africa</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">The 6 winners got an opportunity to exhibit their designs during Zambia Fashion Week with the aim to empower infertile and childless women. The theme of the ceremony was #NoToInferrtilityStigma</li>
</ul>

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm&nbsp;of Merck KGaA Germany&nbsp;announced the winners of&nbsp;“Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards&nbsp;in partnership with&nbsp;H.E. ESTHER LUNGU,&nbsp;The First Lady of Zambia,&nbsp;together with&nbsp;Zambia Fashion Week.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Image+3%2814%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 888px;"> 
Model exhibiting outfit designed by Ms. Kasonde Nkole, First Winner during the Zambia Fashion Week

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;“We initiated the&nbsp;“Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards across all Africa&nbsp;with the aim to deliver strong and influential messages to empower infertile women and say&nbsp;‘No to Infertility Stigma’&nbsp;and to create meaningful fashion trend to educate their communities that&nbsp;‘Fertility is a Shared Responsibility’.” 
 
The awards attracted many applications, out of which,&nbsp;5 best designs were chosen&nbsp;by the&nbsp;‘Merck More Than a Mother’ committee.

&nbsp;

The winners of the&nbsp;“Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards&nbsp;are:

<ul>
	<li>Ms. KASONDE NKOLE, First Winner</li>
	<li>Ms. VARINDER KAUR VIRDY, Second Winner</li>
	<li>Mr. GIBSTAR MAKANGLIA</li>
	<li>Ms. KASONDE MAKANGLIA</li>
	<li>Ms. CHIMWEMWE KALIRANI &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ms. SAANDIME SHISHOLEKA</li>
</ul>

The awards winners&nbsp;were granted&nbsp;$500&nbsp;each to execute and showcase their designs (arranging for models) and had an opportunity to exhibit them during the&nbsp;Zambia Fashion Week&nbsp;which was conducted in Lusaka on 17th&nbsp;-19th&nbsp;October 2019.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Merck+Foundation+announces+the+Winners+of++%E2%80%9CMerck+More+Than+a+Mother%E2%80%9D+Fashion+Awards+in+Zambia+to+break+Infertility+Stigma+4.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;"> 
Ms. Varinder Kaur Virdy , Second Winner with the Model exhibiting outfit designed by her during the Zambia Fashion Week

“No designer has ever, or would ever, say that he or she wanted to make things difficult for women. Fashion industry has already got enough flakes for being superficial. These awards are our efforts to change this perception and create a meaningful fashion trend aiming to educate our communities that&nbsp;‘Fertility is a Shared Responsibility’&nbsp;and&nbsp;‘Women are more than just Mothers’”, added&nbsp;Dr. Rasha Kelej. 
 
Merck Foundation established a long-term partnership with the&nbsp;First Lady of Zambia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ministry of Health&nbsp;to build healthcare capacity with the aim of improving access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions nationwide.&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Merck+Foundation+announces+the+Winners+of++%E2%80%9CMerck+More+Than+a+Mother%E2%80%9D+Fashion+Awards+in+Zambia+to+break+Infertility+Stigma+5.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;"> 
Model exhibiting outfit designed by&nbsp; Ms. Varinder Kaur Virdy, Second Winner&nbsp; during the Zambia Fashion Week

Merck Foundation has also appointed&nbsp;Her Excellency First Lady of Zambia&nbsp;to be the&nbsp;Ambassador&nbsp;of&nbsp;Merck More Than a Mother&nbsp;campaign to empower infertile women through access to information, health and change of mindset to break the stigma around infertility. Through this campaign, Merck Foundation has trained the&nbsp;first Fertility specialists in Zambia, and will continue to train more candidates to help infertile couples across the country. 
 
Merck Foundation has also appointed Her Excellency First Lady of Zambia to be the Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother campaign to empower infertile women through access to information, health and change of mindset to break the stigma around infertility. Through this campaign, Merck Foundation has trained the first Fertility specialists in Zambia, and will continue to train more candidates to help infertile couples across the country. 
 
About ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign;

 
“Merck More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe and effective fertility care. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &amp; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries. 
 
With “Merck More than a mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.&nbsp; 
 
The Ambassadors of “Merck More Than a Mother” are: 
<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/FL+List+ENG%282%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 258px;"> 
Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized fertility clinics before ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ intervention, to train the first fertility specialists such as; in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, Guinea, Ethiopia and Uganda.&nbsp; 
 
Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck more than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAPAIGN, such as;

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother media recognition award and health media training</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother fashion award</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Merck More than a Mother film award</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Children storybook, localized for each country</li>
</ul>

One Click on icon below to 
Download Merck Foundation App

<a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MF+App+Download+Icon.png"></a> 
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard 
<img height="40" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-2.png" width="40">&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a> 
 
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/assets/plugins/ckfinder/core/connector/php/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;lang=en&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;hash=36d151d14dfb6a22&amp;fileName=Flicker(2).png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a>

<ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.

<ins>About Merck</ins>

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

Merck Foundation had invited application from all young Fashion Designers of Zambia to create a design with the aim to break the stigma around infertility in general and around infertile women in particular in Zambia and rest of Africa

Merck Foundation announces the Winners of “Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards in Zambia to break Infertility Stigma

Click <a href="http://merck-foundation.com/news-articles/La-Premiere-Dame-du-Burundi-lance-une-chanson-pour-contribuer-a-la-campagne-Merck-Plus-Quune-Mere-et-briser-la-stigmatisation-liee-a-linfertilite">here</a> for French

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dzCszXRM6Nk" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: center;">Merck More Than a Mother Song by the First Lady of Burundi H.E. Denise Nkurunziza</div>

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
	<li>The song and video have been composed, sung and produced by The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. DENISE NKURUNZIZA</li>
	<li>The song will be launched during the Merck Foundation conference “Merck Africa Asia Luminary” in Accra, Ghana</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/The+First+Lady+of+Burundi+releases+a+song+to+contribute+to+Merck+More+Than+a+Mother+and+Break+Infertility+Stigma+1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 451px;"> 
Dr.Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother with H.E. MADAM DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany is very happy to receive such an empowering song to break the stigma around infertility in Africa and rest of the world as a contribution from the First Lady of Burundi a part of her efforts as an Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother. 
 
The song and its video have been composed. sung and produced by The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. DENISE NKURUNZIZA, as her special contribution to support Merck More Than a Mother campaign. The video of the song will be officially 
launched during the 6th Edition of “Merck Africa Asia Luminary” in Accra, Ghana. 
 
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother explained, “I would like to thank Her Excellency DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi for her efforts to support us in breaking the stigma around infertility. The song communicates an important message to the society that not only women but #mentoo can be the cause of infertility. It gives an important message that ‘fertility is a shared responsibility’ and men should support their wives during their journey for building a happy family. It also delivers Merck Foundation’s key message that ‘women are more than just mothers’.” 
 
H.E. MADAM DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi, President of Buntu Foundation and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother emphasized “I created this song to empower infertile women and send out the message to the entire African community that infertility is not a stigma. It is my personal contribution towards Merck More Than a Mother, an important campaign by Merck Foundation”.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/The+First+Lady+of+Burundi+releases+a+song+to+contribute+to+Merck+More+Than+a+Mother+and+Break+Infertility+Stigma+2.jpg" style="width: 453px; height: 600px;"> 
Message from H.E. MADAM DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother.

Merck Foundation has been working at all levels to bring in a cultural shift in the African society and has been advocating for the women who aren’t able to bear children against the discrimination, isolation and violence.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/The+First+Lady+of+Burundi+releases+a+song+to+contribute+to+Merck+More+Than+a+Mother+and+Break+Infertility+Stigma+3.jpg" style="width: 460px; height: 600px;"> 
Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother

“Art has the capacity and influence to make the problem felt, which further stimulates emotions and leads to engagement and action. Hence, we used this medium to address the issue of infertility with a special focus on male infertility to&nbsp;encourage men to speak up about their infertility and join the journey of building a happy family with their wives. I personally believe that this song will add significant value to influence the culture change we are advocating in Burundi and rest of Africa” concluded Dr. Rasha Kelej. 
 
About ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign;

“Merck More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe and effective fertility care. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &amp; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries. 
 
With “Merck More than a mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/The+First+Lady+of+Burundi+releases+a+song+to+contribute+to+Merck+More+Than+a+Mother+and+Break+Infertility+Stigma+4.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 298px;">

Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized fertility clinics before ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ intervention, to train the first fertility specialists such as; in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, Guinea, Ethiopia and Uganda. 
 
Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck more than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAPAIGN, such as;

<ul>
	<li>Merck More than a Mother media recognition award and health media training</li>
	<li>Merck More than a Mother fashion award</li>
	<li>Merck More than a Mother film award</li>
	<li>Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it</li>
	<li>Children storybook, localized for each country</li>
</ul>
</div>

One Click on icon below to 
Download Merck Foundation App

<a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MF+App+Download+Icon.png"></a> 
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard 
<img height="40" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-2.png" width="40">&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a> 
 
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/assets/plugins/ckfinder/core/connector/php/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;lang=en&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;hash=36d151d14dfb6a22&amp;fileName=Flicker(2).png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a>

<ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.

<ins>About Merck</ins>

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

The song and video have been composed, sung and produced by The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. DENISE NKURUNZIZA

The First Lady of Burundi releases a song to contribute to Merck More Than a Mother and Break Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation CEO, Rasha Kelej, featured in the list of 100 Most Influential Africans, released by New African Magazine, for poignant “Merck More Than a Mother” Movement.

Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation makes it to the list of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, for empowering many women through Merck More Than a Mother Movement

Know more about Dr. Rasha Kelej and the upcoming plans of Merck Foundation.

Interview with Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother

Lisez l'interview du Dr Rasha Kelej pour connaître sa réaction au sujet de figurer parmi les 100 Africains les plus influents et les plans à venir de la Fondation Merck.

Entretien avec le Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother

<img class="image_resized" style="height:600px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/assets/plugins/ckfinder/core/connector/php/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;lang=en&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2Frasha_kelej_profile_pictures%2F&amp;hash=36d151d14dfb6a22&amp;fileName=dr-rasha-kelej-ceo-of-merck-foundation-profile-picture-2026.jpg" alt="rasha kelej profile picture - ceo of merck foundation"> Rasha Kelej, CEO Merck FoundationWho is Rasha Kelej She is an African woman, a pharmacist who is passionate about raising awareness on discrimination and stigma that infertile women undergo. What’s your passion? Creating a platform for future experts in health care and improving access to health care services and drugs for infertile women. What’s the campaign Merck More Than a Mother all about? We work closely with policy makers, governments, health care providers to define interventions to reduce the social suffering of those women and improve access to regulated fertility care.It also raises awareness about infertility prevention, management, and male infertility by integrating it into health care infrastructures such as HIV, maternal health and mother and child programes.Suppose you were not on the programme, what else would you be doing? I would be doing what I love most — providing training to young doctors who want to be oncologists and embryologists. Also building capacity and developing professional skills. What keeps you going? To see the transformation we are doing on women lives by taking them out of their suffering. What impact has the programme had on women in East Africa? Women are able to get to know where and how to get help when they need it. We also open up businesses for the women who are unable so that they get small money and remain independent. We also educate them and the community that inability to get a child is not a crime. Currently, we have over 2,000 women in East Africa in the programe. What do you think about society viewing women as a birth machine? I don’t think it is appropriate, it is very bad that women who are not blessed with children are treated like rags in the society. Women should be companions and not birth machines. If you are blessed to have children well and good and if not the respect should cut across. Are you married? Do you have children? Yes, I am married but I chose not to have children because I wanted to focus on achieving what takes much of my time. Even if you choose not to have children on your own, still, you can be more than a mother and be successful and productive in the society. What do you live by? Passion and results oriented. What do you do at your free time? I love fashion, at my free time, I would think and make a garment of my choice. One day when I retire I will take care of young and future fashion designers. Who inspires you? I am inspired by those who want to make a difference in people’s lives by getting a solution to a problem like scientists. Any advice you got from your mother? That I must always learn to help people at the time of their need. What makes you happy? Spending time with my husband because most of the time I am away meeting mothers and getting a solution to their problem. So when I find time, I maximise it. The major problem is access to affordable drugs, what’s your organisation doing about it? It is not only drugs but health specialists as well, take for example cancer, in Kenya we have only 15 oncologists for 45 million Kenyans. Lack of professional skills in the health care is a huge problem. As a foundation, we focus on building capacity and developing the skills to provide valuable health care. Why do you think it’s only women who face the wrath of the community when it comes to infertility? Infertile women in Africa have been neglected, mistreated and discriminated against. This is not right and has to change. It’s very unfortunate that women have to bear the brunt of infertility in the community but scientifically, 50 per cent of infertility cases are due to male factor that’s why we are bringing in the males and the community. We want them to be able to respect the women and look at them as valuable people in the community and not birth tools. Challenges you encounter? Being in all the places and managing the programme and at the same time managing my family. I have to work extra hard to ensure that everything is taken care of. Special message to women who cannot have children? They are still mothers and very beautiful. They should stand up for themselves and not let anyone abuse them. They can still have happy family lives and grow old together with their husbands. Parting shot... I am looking for that day that a woman would walk into a public hospital and get the infertility services at a cheaper price. That day the society would walk with infertile women encouraging them and giving them hope that they are part of the community.

Article By Angela Oketch, Nation Media Group, Kenya

Merck More Than a Mother. From woman to woman

La Fondation Merck invite tous les créateurs de mode de la Zambie à créer un design dans le but de briser la stigmatisation liée à l'infertilité en Zambie et dans le reste de l'Afrique

La Fondation Merck lance un Appel à Candidatures pour le « Merck More Than a Mother » Fashion Awards en partenariat avec La Première Dame de Zambie et la Semaine de la Mode Zambienne

Merck Foundation invites application from all Fashion Designers of Zambia to create a design with the aim to break the stigma around infertility in Zambia and rest of Africa

Merck Foundation Calls for Applications for “Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards in partnership with the First Lady of Zambia and Zambia Fashion Week

The awards were initiated with the aim to recognize and appreciate African Journalists who have produced accurate, informative and compelling stories about infertility, infertile women or couples with that aim to raise awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility.

Merck Foundation announces the winners of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards 2019 to break Infertility Stigma

The First Ladies become the Ambassadors of Merck More Than A Mother campaign to eliminate stigma around infertility in their countries

Merck Foundation marks International Women’s Day through partnering with Africa’s First Ladies to break stigma of infertility

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	<li style="text-align: justify;">This is how Merck Foundation cooperates with art and media to raise awareness and create a culture Shift-&nbsp;A theme song launched to tell the story of “Merck more than a Mother” Heroines.</li>
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In the same week of International Women’s Day, Merck Foundation launched the ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ theme song, to honor childless women across the world and acknowledge their value. 
 
I strongly believe that art and media play significant roles in raising awareness about sensitive topics like infertility, hence will contribute significantly to break the stigma around infertile women in Africa, if utilized properly. 
One of the great challenges today is that we often feel untouched by the problems of others, even when we can easily do something to help. Giving people access to data most often leaves them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, not empowered and poised for action. This is where art can make a difference. 
 
Art does not show people what to do, yet engaging them in meaningful work of art can connect them to themselves and their senses, body, and mind. It can make the problem felt, and this may stimulate emotion, engagement and action. All forms of art through various media channels can become effective tools to help in empowering childless women and change the social and cultural perception of infertility in general, and this is how we plan to use art and media to achieve our goals faster. 
 
We decided to create this song in partnership with a female rising star from Sierra Leone,&nbsp;ROZZY,&nbsp;to tell the world the story of women who suffer infertility stigma in Africa and the possibility of transformation when they are empowered and guided to realize their purpose in life besides being just mothers. This is a creative intervention to advocate for those women against the discrimination, isolation and&nbsp; violence they face every day due to their inability to bear children, which is not fair. 
 
What the song is about:The song is about a simple woman from Africa who dreamt of a beautiful and happy family with kids and a loving husband. But fate was not on her side since she couldn’t have a baby for many years. Obviously, it was a painful experience for her, especially when her husband, the man of her life abandoned &nbsp;then divorced her because of her inability to bear a child. 
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Infertility affects women and men equally, both husbands and wives should share the journey of fertility treatment to build a happy family - it is a shared responsibility. Rozzy’s husband however, never supported her and continuously blamed and abused her, like what happens every day to many women across Africa. 
 
Broken and devastated, Rozzy lost all her hopes, until she met us, Merck Foundation, her life transformed entirely after getting empowered through ‘Merck More Than a Mother' campaign. Merck Foundation provided her with training, developed her skills and helped her to establish her small business to become independent, strong and happy. 
 
Only when she discovered her purpose in life, she gained self-confidence and self-respect and knew how to reach her potential. &nbsp;She achieved the success she always deserved, not just professionally but in her personal life as well. She met the man of her dreams, the man who loves and respects her. 
 
She got married for the second time, but this time is different, her husband supported her through the fertility treatment. He shared the responsibility with her which eventually paid off when they got blessed with a beautiful baby. 
Finally, a happy family with a loving husband……….. 
 
And the story doesn’t end here, when her ex-husband met the new, confident, successful, and happy Rozzy, he tried to come back to her, but it was too late………. Who would want a man to like him back! 
 
There are many Rozzies out there; we witness their stories of suffering and humiliation every day, it is time to act and make a change. It is unacceptable in the 21st century that women should suffer this injustice for something out of their hands.&nbsp; 
 
This culture must change. 
 
I call on all of you, partners, media, artists, followers, come back with better ideas, themes, songs, stories to help us to achieve our goal to empower childless women in Africa. Unlock your creativity, we can create much better than this song if we joined hands. It is just the beginning...... 
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All artists and media persons out there, let’s join hands to make a change,&nbsp;Women are More than Mothers,&nbsp;a&nbsp;message must reach every door, every community, every mind and every hear. 
Submit your ideas on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@merck-foundation.com" target="_blank">info@merck-foundation.com</a> 
 
Dr. Rasha Kelej 
CEO of Merck Foundation 
 
Merck foundation upholds their commitment to empower infertile women in Africa 
 
Watch videos below

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Merck Foundation commits to long term partnership&nbsp;With&nbsp;Uganda-Govt. in building healthcare capacity</div>

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Merck Foundation partners with The Gambia's First&nbsp;Lady for ‘Merck More Than a Mother’</div>

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Merck Foundation Visits the ‘Merck More Than a&nbsp;Mother’ heroines in Uganda</div>

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Merck Foundation Partners with African First Ladies&nbsp;Organization to build healthcare capacity</div>

Merck Foundation Empowers the Childless Women through ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Across All Africa 
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Watch videos below
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Watch the transformation of Ugandan childless women&nbsp;after meeting Merck More Than a Mother</div>

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Merck Foundation support Merck More Than a Mother&nbsp;Heroines&nbsp;in Gambia</div>

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Watch what happened to Jackline Mwende, victim of&nbsp;infertility stigma, after meeting Merck Foundation</div>

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Merck Foundation empowers Nigerian&nbsp;Childless&nbsp;women&nbsp;through Merck More Than A Mother - Catering Group</div>

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Merck Foundation empowering&nbsp;Childless&nbsp;women from&nbsp;Geraldine&nbsp;Missie, Cote D'Ivoire (French)</div>

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Merck Foundation empowering&nbsp;Childless&nbsp;women from&nbsp;the Afaminato Community of Ghana</div>

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Merck Foundation empowering&nbsp;Childless&nbsp;women in&nbsp;Central African Republic</div>
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<ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.

<ins>About Merck</ins>

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

Merck Foundation launches an Empowering theme song for ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Heroines in Africa

Merck Foundation calls for applications for “Merck More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2018

	
Merck Foundation announces the winners of “Merck More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2017 and calls for applications for 2018

Merck Foundation starts hashtags #MenToo and #NoForInfertilityStigma to break the stigma of Infertility.

Merck Foundation announces the winners of “Merck More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2017

Merck Foundation recently announced the winners of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards 2017

Merck Foundation Calls for Applications for ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards 2018

La Merck Fondation a récemment annoncé les gagnants des Prix de  ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards 2017

La Merck Foundation lance un appel à candidatures pour Media Recognition Awards "Merck More Than a Mother" 2018

La Merck Foundation lance les hashtags #MenToo et #NoForInfertilityStigma pour briser la stigmatisation de l'infertilité.

La Merck Foundation annonce les gagnants de Merck More Than a Mother Media Recognition Award 2017

&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="height:450px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Image+4%288%29.jpeg" alt=""><div class="video-single" style="text-align:justify;">Merck Foundation to provide training to media representatives from SenegalMerck Foundation to Call for Application for ‘Merck More than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards 2018 (Click&nbsp;<a href="http://merck-foundation.com/news-articles/Merck-Foundation-Calls-for-Applications-for-Merck-More-Than-a-Mother-Media-Recognition-Awards-2018" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;for more information)Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany will organize the&nbsp;Merck Health Media Training&nbsp;on&nbsp;31st&nbsp;of October 2018&nbsp;at&nbsp;Le Centre International de conferences Abdou DIOUF (CICAD)&nbsp;in Dakar, Senegal from 11:00 to 17:30. &nbsp; The training program is a part of ‘Merck More than a Mother’&nbsp;community awareness initiative and is being organized for the first time in Senegal for the media representatives. &nbsp; “I am delighted to initiate this important training session as I strongly believe that media plays a significant to influence our society to create a cultural shift. It has the capacity and ability to break the stigma around infertility in the community”, explained&nbsp;Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More than a Mother.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Image+6+%285%29%281%29.jpeg" alt="">The training will be addressed by stalwarts of Media and top Infertility experts. It will also provide a great opportunity for the journalists to meet the experts and also to network with each other and work as a unit to eradicate the stigma around infertility in Senegal and rest of Africa. It will be attended by journalists working for Print, TV, Radio and Online media. &nbsp; “The&nbsp;Merck Health Media Training&nbsp;program will focus on the international standards and media ethics for reporting sensitive issues like infertility in Africa. It is designed to benefit the journalists in understanding the infertility issues in African communities and to learn the best media practices to cover such issues.”&nbsp;Dr. Rasha Kelej&nbsp;added. &nbsp; The journalists from Dakar, Senegal can apply to be part of the&nbsp;Merck Health Media Training&nbsp;through this link:Merck Foundation will also announce the Call for Application for&nbsp;“Merck More than a Mother” ‘Media Recognition Awards’ 2018&nbsp;from Senegal and rest of Africa. The “Merck More than a Mother” ‘Media Recognition Awards’ were launched in 2017 with the aim to emphasize the role of media in enhancing the public engagement and understanding of infertility stigma and the need to change its social perception in African communities. The winners were awarded at an award ceremony conducted earlier this year in Nairobi, Kenya. &nbsp; The Merck Health Media Training is be organized on the side-lines of&nbsp;Fifth Edition&nbsp;of&nbsp;“MERCK AFRICA ASIA LUMNIARY”&nbsp;being organized in Dakar, Senegal on the 30th&nbsp;&amp; 31st&nbsp;of October 2018,&nbsp;under the patronage of&nbsp;The President of The Republic of Senegal, H.E. MACKY SALL&nbsp;and&nbsp;The First Lady of Senegal, H.E. MARIEME FAYE SALL,&nbsp;and in partnership with the&nbsp;Ministry of Health of Senegal.&nbsp;It will be attended by more than 450 healthcare providers, policy makers,&nbsp;academia and researchers from over 45 English and French speaking African and Asian countries. The objective is to&nbsp;improve disease management, early detection and prevention, build healthcare and scientific research capacity and improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions across the continent.<img class="image_resized" style="height:400px;width:600px;" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Image21%281%29.png" alt="">0Merck Foundation conducted its First Health Media Training for English speaking media representatives earlier this year in Nairobi. The program saw attendance from journalists from over 200 journalists from various African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Gambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Botswana, Liberia, Cameroon, Burundi, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia and Sierra Leona. &nbsp; Merck Foundation will also organize a similar training program for media representatives from French speaking countries in Mauritius in December 2018. ​About ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign; &nbsp; In many cultures, childless women suffer discrimination, stigma, and ostracism. Their inability to have children results in great isolation, disinheritance, and assaults. “Merck More Than a Mother” empowers such women through the access to information, health, change of mindsets and economic empowerment. &nbsp; As part of this Campaign, we started “Empowering Berna” project in Africa to help childless and infertile women starting their own business and thus achieve financial independence and become stronger and happier. The project has benefited more than 1,000 women across the continent. &nbsp; Also, part of the campaign is our Merck Embryology &amp; Fertility Training Program, a three-month hands-on practical course to establish the platform of fertility specialists across Africa and Asia. &nbsp; Merck Foundation provided for more than 64 candidates, three months to six months clinical and practical training for fertility specialists and embryologists in more than 29 countries across Africa and Asia such as: Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivoire , Ghana, Ethiopia , Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania , Zambia , Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leon, Liberia, Cameron, Rwanda, Botswana,&nbsp; DR Congo , Congo Brazzaville, Gambia , Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Cambodia.&nbsp; &nbsp; Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized fertility clinics before ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ intervention, to train the first fertility specialists such as; in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Guinea.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Merck Foundation plan supported the establishment of the first public IVF centers in Ethiopia and Uganda through providing the clinical and practical training necessary for their staff. Merck Foundation also plans to support the establishment of the first public IVF in Tanzania soon. &nbsp; “Merck more than a Mother” launched in 2015, is a program of the Merck Foundation, the foundation drives many of our initiatives and programs in the area of build health care and research capacity and improves access to equitable healthcare solutions.</div>One Click on icon below to Download Merck Foundation App<a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection"><img src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/MF+App+Download+Icon.png" alt=""></a> Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard <img src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-2.png" height="40" width="40"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a> <img src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-3.png" height="39" width="41"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwU6L6rvR-6q0-5Jw03wscg" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a> <img src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-4.png" height="40" width="40"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a> <img src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/image-20210129162101-5.png" height="40" width="40"> <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation" target="_blank">@MerckFoundation</a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank"><img class="image_resized" style="height:40px;width:40px;" src="http://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/assets/plugins/ckfinder/core/connector/php/connector.php?command=Proxy&amp;lang=en&amp;type=Files&amp;currentFolder=%2F&amp;hash=36d151d14dfb6a22&amp;fileName=Flicker(2).png" alt=""></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/" target="_blank">Merck Foundation</a><ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.<ins>About Merck</ins>Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

Merck Foundation to provide training to media representatives from Senegal

Merck Foundation to organize Merck Health Media Training to Break the Stigma around Infertility in Senegal and rest of Africa

Watch the video's&nbsp;below<div class="video single" style="text-align:center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0mr8mLgk8gY" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single" style="text-align:center;">Merck More Than A Mother Media Recognition Award - Renee Ngamau,Life Coach/Radio Host Capital FM</div><div class="video single" style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="video single" style="text-align:center;"><div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DKujH4wJnTE" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than A Mother Media Recognition Award - William Pike, Director Radio Africa Group</div><div class="video single"><div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/018DEMBicOk" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than A Mother Media Recognition Award - Tom Mshindi, Editor-in-Chief Nation Media Group</div><div class="video single"><div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7mC2JSfTWbE" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than A Mother Media Recognition Award - Carole Mandi, Founder Carole Mandi Media</div><div class="video single" style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</div><div class="video single" style="text-align:justify;">Merck Foundation has launched the&nbsp;“Merck More than a Mother”&nbsp;‘Media Recognition Awards’&nbsp;Call for Applications. The awards have been established to showcase and appreciate outstanding health journalism and to recognize individual professional journalists and students who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories about infertile women or couples.&nbsp;</div><div class="video single">Watch videos below on the stories of women’s suffering as a result of the infertility stigma.<div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6BdE5i9x02o" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than a Mother with Grace Kambini AKA "Mama Chips"&nbsp;</div><div class="video single">&nbsp;</div><div class="video single"><div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0roP0fIIHYA" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than a Mother with Elishiba Njoki&nbsp;</div><div class="video single"><div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNwVZ5MkNN0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="video single">Merck More Than a Mother with Byansi Adrian Ssemugga and Sawuya Ntongo, couple from Uganda</div><div class="video single">&nbsp;</div><div class="video single" style="text-align:justify;">"We have established this award to showcase and appreciate outstanding health journalism and to recognize individual professional journalists and students who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories about infertile women or couples," emphasized Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation”.&nbsp; &nbsp; The stories targeted are those of infertile women sharing their suffering and abuse by their husbands, families or communities due to their condition. It is very critical to share these stories with the public to build advocacy of the need to change such behavior and break the stigma around infertility in general. It also will provide a platform for those who have sought treatment to advise others on the journey and support those undergoing infertility treatments. &nbsp; The stories submitted should be in a form of articles with photos, or three to five minute videos recorded using smart devices. &nbsp; Visit our website to see example of the videos and different articles about infertile women, men and couples. <a href="http://www.merckmorethanamother.com/" target="_blank">www.merckmorethanamother.com</a> The Awards will honor and reward outstanding journalistic coverage that enhances the public’s engagement and understanding of infertility stigma and the need to change the social perception of it in African communities. &nbsp; Prize Award<figure class="table"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Category</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Journalists</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Student</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Multimedia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 5000</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 3000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Print</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1500</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Radio</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1500</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Online</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1500</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">USD 1000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> Who can apply? The Award is open to print, video broadcast, photo journalists and media students whose stories appear in newspapers, websites, blogs and television and that target the public.&nbsp;Categories<h4>Submissions will be judged and recipients selected based on the following categories: &nbsp;</h4>Print and Online<ul><li>Newspapers or magazines</li><li>Online (blogs and/or&nbsp;social media)</li></ul>&nbsp;BroadcastTelevisionOnline (blogs and /or social media)&nbsp;PhotosNewspaper or magazinesOnline(blogs and /or social media)<h4>&nbsp; Judging Panel The judging panel consists of experts from diverse professional backgrounds including journalists, communications experts and media managers. &nbsp; Eligibility</h4><ul><li>The story must have been published any time before 29th&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 2017</li><li>Links to the stories must be submitted before the dead line.</li><li>Plagiarism of any kind will lead to automatic disqualification</li><li>Photo entries will only be limited to 2 photographs per journalist/student.</li><li>Applicants should be East African journalists and registered media students in East Africa.&nbsp;</li></ul>Deadline Deadline for submission of the stories and photos is&nbsp;30th&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 2017​. &nbsp; Application Process Applicants Name, Sex, Age, Media House or Institution (for students), Country and Contacts must be provided with the submission. &nbsp; Applications can be submitted via <a href="mailto:mystory@merckmorethanamother.com" target="_blank">mystory@merckmorethanamother.com</a> &nbsp; Health and Social Facts Inability to have a child or to conceive can result in being greatly ostracized, isolated, disinherited or assaulted. This may lead to denial of access to family traditions, divorce or physical and psychological abuse. The social stigma of childlessness especially for infertile women still leads to isolation and stigmatization in many cultures. While it’s estimated that about 50% of infertility cases are caused by male factors, women are left to solely carry the burden of blame. Together we can create a Culture Shift &nbsp; "Merck More than a Mother"&nbsp;Campaign&nbsp; is very important for Africa, as it is well known that the consequences of infertility are much more dramatic in developing countries and can create more wide ranging social and cultural problems compared to western societies, particularly for women. &nbsp; "Merck More than a Mother"&nbsp;Campaign aims to empower infertile women through access to information, health, change of mind set and economic empowerment. &nbsp; The Awards The&nbsp;Merck More than a Mother Media Recognition Awards&nbsp;is an initiative by Merck Foundation, a philanthropic organization that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology; to raise awareness about the critical role the media can play in breaking the stigma around infertility. It also aims to change the culture of discrimination and abuse of infertile women while educating the public about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In addition, the campaign aims to encourage men to discuss their infertility condition openly, support their wives through the journey of testing and treatment. Fertility is a Shared Responsibility.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><gdiv></gdiv><gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-extension-definitionpopup" style="display:none;left:584.697px;top:596.875px;z-index:2147483646;"><gdiv class="ginger-dp"><gdiv class="ginger-dp-content"><gdiv class="ginger-dp-title"><gspan id="dp-title">Mother</gspan></gdiv> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-description" id="dp-description">a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)</gdiv> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-more">More <gspan>(Definitions, Synonyms, Translation)</gspan></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv>

Deadline for submission of the stories and photos is 30th SEPTEMBER 2017

Merck More Than a Mother Media Recognition Awards 2017 Call for Applications

“Merck More than a Mother” initiative in partnership with Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE), conducted a panel to address challenges and solutions to improve access to regulated fertility care in Africa and Asia.

“Merck More than a Mother” from Africa to Asia for the first time -in partnership with Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE)


Merck Foundation underscored their partnership with the First Lady and ministry of Health of Central African Republic - C.A.R.

Merck Foundation awarded the First Lady of Central African Republic to acknowledge her efforts as “Merck More Than a Mother” Ambassador

La Fondation Merck a souligné son partenariat avec la Première Dame et le Ministère de la Santé de la République Centrafricaine – R.C.A.

La Fondation Merck a remis un prix à la Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine pour ses efforts en tant qu'Ambassadrice de « Merck More Than a Mother »

DR Congo First Lady partners with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma and empower girls through education.

Merck Foundation CEO and DR Congo First Lady mark the International day of ‘Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls’ after appointing her as Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother

La Première Dame de la RD Congo s'associe à Merck Foundation pour renforcer les capacités de soins de santé, briser la stigmatisation de l'infertilité et autonomiser les filles à travers l'éducation.

Merck Foundation CEO et la Première Dame de la RD Congo célèbrent la Journée Internationale de « l’Élimination de la Violence à l’égard des Femmes et des Filles » après l’avoir nommée Ambassadrice de Merck More Than a Mother

Merck Foundation a reçu une excellente réponse des journalistes africains sous la forme de plusieurs excellentes contributions.

Merck Foundation CEO et les Premières Dames Africaines annoncent les gagnants des Prix « Merck Foundation More Than a Mother » Africa Media Recognition Awards 2020 pour briser la stigmatisation liée à l'infertilité

After the successful launch of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Fashion Awards, Merck Foundation launches another unique initiative to break the stigma around infertility in Ghana and the rest of Africa

Merck Foundation Calls for Applications for “Merck More Than a Mother” Film Awards in partnership with Ghana First Lady.

Merck Foundation launches yet another initiative to break the stigma around infertility in Ghana and rest of Africa

Merck Foundation Calls for Applications for “Merck More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards in partnership with Ghana First Lady.

A Primeira Dama da RD Congo faz parceria com a Merck Foundation para desenvolver a capacidade de saúde, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e emopderar as meninas através da educação.

A Directora Executiva da Merck Foundation e a Primeira Dama da RD celebram o dia internacional pela ‘Eliminação da Violência Contra as Mulheres e Meninas’ depois da sua nomeação como Embaixadora da Merck More Than a Mother

Après le lancement réussi de ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Fashion Awards, la Fondation Merck lance une autre initiative unique visant à briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité au Ghana et dans le reste de l’Afrique

La Fondation Merck lance un Appel à Candidatures pour le « Merck More Than a Mother » Film Awards en partenariat avec La Première du Ghana.

La Fondation Merck lance une nouvelle initiative pour briser la stigmatisation liée à l'infertilité au Ghana et dans le reste de l'Afrique

La Fondation Merck lance un Appel à Candidatures pour le « Merck More Than a Mother » Fashion Awards en partenariat avec La Première Dame du Ghana.

“Merck More Than a Mother” collaborates with ASRM to provide the future African Embryologists with certified on-line training.

Merck Foundation establishes the future embryologist platform in Africa through their “Merck More Than a Mother” for the First Time.

Merck has announced their commitment to empower Kenyan women through their” Merck More than a Mother “and the start of “Merck STEM for Women and Youth” programs.

Merck continues to empower Kenyan women through “Merck More than a Mother” and “Merck STEM for Women and Youth” programs

“Empoderar as mulheres e meninas é o espírito de tudo o que fazemos na Merck Foundation e faz parte do nosso DNA! ”

Merck Foundation e 18 Primeiras Damas de África celebram o Dia Internacional da Mulher sob o lema quebrar o estigma em torno das mulheres com infertilidade e empoderar as meninas na educação

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jaWKBwDbJIQ" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch the video of the launch event and panel discussion:&nbsp;discussing different interventions to destigmatize infertile women and improve access to regulated fertility care in Africa during the launch event in Kampala, Uganda</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;"> 
As the world marks the International Women&rsquo;s Day this week, Merck launched its &ldquo;More than a Mother&rdquo; Campaign for the first time in Uganda to empower infertile women through improving access to information and healthcare and change of mindset. 
 
Merck announced its&nbsp;African Embryologists Training Program&nbsp;with the aim to improve access to quality and safe fertility care across the continent. 
 
&ldquo;Merck more than a Mother&rdquo;&nbsp;campaign, a pan-African initiative aims to build fertility capacity, raise awareness about prevention of infertility and male infertility. It also opens a dialogue to define interventions to reduce the stigma and social suffering of infertile women in Africa which includes discrimination and physical and psychological violence. 
 
The campaign was first implemented in Kenya in 2015 and is being rolled out this year in Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) and Africa Fertility Society (AFS) and progressively rolled-out in more African countries. 
 
Improving access to fertility care for women and couples in Africa 
 
&ldquo;Countless women in Africa face fear, abuse and discrimination every day simply because they are infertile,&rdquo; said Bel&eacute;n Garijo, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Healthcare. 
 
&ldquo;After Kenya, we are proud to launch the &ldquo;More than a Mother&rdquo; campaign in Uganda and work with the Ministry of Health, the medical community and parliamentarians to change perceptions and reduce the harsh social suffering of infertile women in Africa.&rdquo;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

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<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYfdtlcWSqo" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch Belen Garijo, CEO Merck Healthcare as she shares her views and insights about the stigma of infertility and the accessibility to fertility care in Africa</div>

<div class="video single">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single">Minister of State for Health for Uganda, Hon. Sarah Opendi emphasized during her speech: &ldquo;We are happy to partner with reputable and innovative companies such as Merck. We believe that &ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo; campaign addresses a very sensitive topic for the first time in Africa, we all know it is there but no one wants to talk about it. This initiative will help to empower infertile women by improving access to information and change in the culture and mind set.&rdquo; 
 
&ldquo;Most Sub-Saharan African countries don&rsquo;t have trained embryologists hence providing training to our embryologists will contribute significantly to improve the quality and accessibility to fertility care to couples in Uganda and Africa so that they can start their families,&rdquo; she added.</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUEly9TAxug" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch Hon. Minister Sarah Opendi&rsquo;s endorsement of the campaign</div>

<div class="video single">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single">According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lower levels of development are thought to be associated with higher levels of non-genetic and preventable causes of infertility such as poor nutrition, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unsafe abortion, consequence of infections caused by the practice of female genital mutilation, exposure to smoking and to leaded petrol and other environmental pollutants. Hence, prevention awareness is very important. 
 
&ldquo;In some cultures, childless women still suffer discrimination, stigma and ostracism. As such, a central difficulty associated with infertility is that it can transform from an acute, private distress into a harsh public stigma with complex and devastating consequences. An inability to have a child or to become pregnant can result in being greatly isolated, disinherited or assaulted. This may result in divorce or physical and psychological violence. Therefore, this campaign is very important for Africa,&rdquo; said Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare. 
 
&ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo;&nbsp;campaign will provide training for African embryologists in Indonesia starting with candidates from Uganda and Kenya and will scale up to the rest of the continent. It will also provide education for healthcare providers which will improve basic fertility management and improve awareness about prevention and male infertility which is needed in Africa as can be seen below in the videos of Berna and the Ugandan couple,&rdquo; Rasha Kelej added. 
 
Merck has joined hands with Indonesian fertility experts to provide advanced embryology training for African candidates starting with Kenya and Uganda and expanding to the rest of Africa. 
 
Dr Ivans Sini, President of Indonesian Reproductive Science Institute (IRSI) emphasized: &ldquo;We are very happy to partner with Merck to provide this high technology training to develop African embryologists to be able together to improve access to quality and safe fertility care in Africa, it is a great idea and we are very proud to be part of it. We are very excited to meet them next month.&rdquo; 
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<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qTzwpKULmuI" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch Berna Amullen from Uganda who is married and childless, sharing her story of stigma and social suffering for being infertile</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

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<div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNwVZ5MkNN0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single">Watch Byansi Ssemugga and Sawuya Ntongo, a couple from Uganda as they share their testimony on how they dealt with infertility and got a child</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;"> 
 
Hon. Betty Amongi, Chairperson of Uganda Women Parliamentary Association emphasized: &ldquo;We will partner with Merck and Ministry of Health to define policies to improve access to safe and effective fertility care, address the need for interventions to reduce stigmatization and social suffering of infertile women and raise awareness about male infertility and the necessity for a team approach to family building among couples&rdquo;.</div>

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<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuqAPWsJr4s" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch Hon Betty Amongi as she pledges the support of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association in defining policies to improve access to safe and effective fertility care in Uganda</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"> 
Join the campaign that will challenge social and cultural perception of infertile women in Africa. 
 
&quot;Together we can create a culture shift&rdquo;, the&nbsp;&ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo;&nbsp;social media campaign will challenge the social and cultural perception of infertile women in Africa. Moreover it will raise awareness about male infertility, prevention of infertility and infertility management at large. 
 
Dr. James Olobo-Lalobo, Vice-President of Africa Fertility Society stressed: &ldquo;We are very happy to partner with Merck, through this historic campaign,&nbsp;&ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo;&nbsp;where specialized practical training for our embryologists will be provided and awareness about prevention of infertility and male infertility will be raised across the continent for the first time in history. Together with Merck, we can challenge the perception about infertile women, their roles and worth in society, both within and beyond the medical profession in order to achieve any systemic shift in the current culture of gender discrimination in the context of fertility care&rdquo;.</div>

<div class="video single">Through this campaign Merck, a pioneer in reproductive health, will address together with local stakeholders, the key challenges that are associated with resource-constrained settings such as prevention of infertility, education and self-development, regulation of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF), geographic barriers, reproductive rights and over-population and limited resources arguments. 
 
Dr. Oladapo Adenrele Ashiru, President of Africa Fertility Society explained: &ldquo;In Nigeria where I practice, infertility is caused by infections in over 85% of women, like in the rest of Africa, compared to 33% worldwide which emphasizes the importance of prevention programs in Africa. Therefore, our partnership with Merck is very essential to address this sensitive topic for the first time in the continent&rdquo;. &ldquo;We are going to host this important campaign in Nigeria and many other African countries this year,&rdquo; he added.

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vOaZtDuN6is" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">Watch Dr. Oladapo Adenrele Ashiru, President of Africa Fertility Society as he makes a presentation at the launch of the campaign in Uganda</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"> 
Sarah Opendi appointed Ambassador of &ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo; for Uganda 
 
During the event, Merck announced the appointment of Hon. Sarah Opendi, Uganda&rsquo;s Minister of State for Health, to be the ambassador of &ldquo;Merck More Than a Mother&rdquo; campaign in Uganda in recognition for her support and efforts to reduce the stigma of infertility and raise awareness about the condition in the country.</div>

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<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Merck+More+than+a+Mother+campaign+marks+International+Women%E2%80%99s+Day+1.jpg" style="width: 580px; height: 385px;" />

Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare presents a certificate appointing Sarah Opendi as the &ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo; campaign ambassador for Uganda as other guests look on 
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At the launch event, Merck awarded Berna Amullen, a Ugandan woman, who openly shared her story of stigmatization and suffering for being infertile. The award was in recognition of her courage in creating awareness and sharing her devastating experience so that no other woman would suffer the same.

 
<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/berna+amullen_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 399px;" /> 
Berna Amullen (second left) accompanied by Nurse Hellen Namaganda being awarded for her courage in sharing her experience with infertility by Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare and Sarah Opendi, Uganda&rsquo;s Minister for Health 
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<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9j9XtWOiUaQ" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

Watch the launch of the &ldquo;Merck More than a Mother&rdquo; campaign in Uganda that was carried on the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation 
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Hon. Joyce Lay, a Member of Parliament and ambassador of the campaign in Kenya, has joined hands with the Uganda Ministry of Health and Uganda Women Parliamentary Association to raise awareness about prevention of infertility and male infertility. Lay emphasized: &ldquo;In order to improve access to safe and effective fertility care, a discussion with the relevant authorities will be needed to discuss the strengthening of infertility services, education, auditing, regulation, community awareness and the need to integrate them in programs which already exist in the local health infrastructure.&rdquo;

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CVfpIdx0EK4" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe> 
Watch Hon Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament and Ambassador of the campaign in Kenya as she shares the Kenyan experience with the IVF bill</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"> 
Join the campaign to reduce stigma of infertility</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;"> 
<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/womens+day+celebration_2015_jfif.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /> 
While celebrating the success story of the Ugandan couple and acknowledging the support of the husband Byansi Adrian for his wife Sawuya Ntongo, Rasha Kelej urged the Ugandan stakeholders to join the social media campaign in order to reduce the stigma of infertility, create awareness and define interventions to improve access to better fertility care in Africa. 
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<gdiv></gdiv><gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-extension-definitionpopup" style="left: 457.047px; top: 158px; z-index: 2147483646; display: none;"><gdiv class="ginger-dp"> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-content"> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-title"><gspan id="dp-title">Uganda</gspan></gdiv> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-description" id="dp-description">a landlocked republic in eastern Africa; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962</gdiv> <gdiv class="ginger-dp-more">More <gspan>(Definitions, Synonyms, Translation)</gspan></gdiv> </gdiv> </gdiv></gdiv>

“Merck more than a Mother” campaign, a pan-African initiative aims to build fertility capacity, raise awareness about prevention of infertility and male infertility. It also opens a dialogue to define interventions to reduce the stigma and social suffering of infertile women in Africa which includes discrimination and physical and psychological violence.

“Merck More than a Mother” campaign marks International Women’s Day

Merck continues their commitment for the second year to empower infertile women in Uganda through improving access to information, health, change of mind-set and economic empowerment.

Merck empowers Ugandan infertile women for the second year through “Merck More than a Mother” in partnership with Uganda Ministry of Health

“Merck More than a Mother”, in partnership with African Fertility Society, African Alliance for Women Empowerment (AFRAWE), and International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), marked the 60th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women- CSW60 with the theme ‘fighting violence against women and girls’.

“Empowering Berna” A new initiative of “Merck More than a Mother” to mark CSW60

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">“Merck More than a Mother” engages policy makers and healthcare providers to define interventions to address infertility prevention and management in Africa</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Define policies to regulate ART in Africa starting with Kenya, Uganda&nbsp; and Nigeria</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Empowering of infertile women socially and economically through “Empowering Berna” Project.</li>
</ul>

"Merck More than a Mother" in partnership with the International Federation of Fertility Societies- IFFS&nbsp; conducted a high level panel addressed infertility challenges and solutions in Africa at the opening ceremony of the World Congress of IFFS held in New Delhi, India. The high level panel of ministers, parliamentarians and global fertility experts from IFFS and Africa Fertility Society highlighted the lack of access to regulated fertility care and awareness about infertility management and widespread stigma of infertile women as some of the key challenges in Africa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The panel called for increased efforts to improve access to regulated fertility care through the development of artificial reproductive therapy (ART) laws and regulations and to empower infertile women through access to education and information. They also supported the training of African embryologists and discussed different interventions to remove the infertility stigma and create a culture shift and change of mindset.

<div class="video single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bWG2UZcV2uU" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single">Watch this video for a summary of the high level panel discussion on infertility&nbsp;challenges and solutions in Africa 
&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">The high level panel including Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of Health, Uganda;&nbsp;Hon. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development and Chair of Uganda Women Parliamentarian Association;&nbsp;Hon. Julia Duncan-Cassell, Minister of Gender, Liberia; Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya;&nbsp;Dr. Patrick Amoth,&nbsp;Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya; Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, Former&nbsp;President of International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS);&nbsp;Dr. Richard Kennedy, President of IFFS; Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President of Africa Fertility Society;&nbsp;Dr. James Olobo-Lalobo,&nbsp;Vice-President of Africa Fertility Society, Uganda and Dr. Rasha Kelej,&nbsp;Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare supported the implementation of “Merck More than a Mother’s” strategic objectives and interventions across Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;"> 
To read more about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.merckmorethanamother.com/" target="_blank">www.merckmorethanamother.com</a></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%281%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

<div class="video single">Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer Merck Healthcare 
&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">“The aim of “Merck More than a Mother” is to empower infertile women in Africa through improving access to education, information and health and change of mind-set and in case they cannot be treated the campaign is empowering them economically and socially through “Empowering Berna” Project so that they can be independent and re-build their own lives,”&nbsp;said Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare.</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%282%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

<div class="video single">Hon. Sarah Opendi, the Minister of Health, Uganda. 
&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">“In Uganda, between 15-20% of couples fail to conceive.&nbsp; The number of fertility clinics in the country to address this problem are few and expensive. Together with “Merck More than a Mother” in Uganda we are creating awareness that infertility can be prevented and that to improve access, fertility care can be integrated into the already existing public reproductive healthcare services which will be cost effective as the infrastructure is already there. In addition we are building a hospital for Women Health where we will dedicate an IVF center to provide couples with affordable and effective treatment with the support of Merck to train the future staff,” said Hon. Sarah Opendi, the Minister of Health, Uganda.</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%283%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

<div class="video single">Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya.</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: justify;">“In our culture, a woman is always blamed for infertility. She carry’s the shame, embarrassment and tears in private. We need to create awareness by providing information and education on infertility so that both men and women can talk about it. “Merck More than a Mother” campaign has opened discussions on infertility and is talking about solutions and interventions available,” said Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya. 
&nbsp; 
At the meeting Merck showed a few videos of African infertile women who shared their stories of suffering due to failing to have children and their transformation after meeting Merck more than a Mother team who helped empower them socially and economically. 
&nbsp; 
Watch the story of Grace Kambini</div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TkVVbGzUJJo" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;">Watch the story of Jackline Mwende</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/niMNO-jz0yA" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="single video">
<div class="single video">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%284%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;">Hon. Julia Duncan-Cassell, Minister of Gender, Liberia</div>

<div class="single video">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;">Speaking on the need to create a culture shift, Hon. Julia Duncan Cassell, Minister of Gender, and Liberia said: “We should look at a woman as more than a mother. It is not always the fault of the woman when there is no child, but in our culture it is. We need to speak out as both men and women can be affected by infertility. Violence and stigma against infertile women should not be tolerated. We need to change our culture, tradition, attitude and mind-set. These can be modified and changed. We hope the “Merck More than a Mother” initiative can be extended to other African countries so that awareness can increase and know that infertility can be caused by many factors and that with the right information it can be prevented.”</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%285%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 401px;"></div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;">Hon. Betty Amongi Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uganda.</div>

<div class="single video">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: justify;">“In the African culture, marriage gives a woman the right to property and land. When they don’t bear children they are disinherited and when they go back home there is also nothing for them. Therefore, empowering infertile women economically and socially as “Merck More than a Mother” is doing is important because most of them have nowhere to go. This enables them to sustain themselves and with the information they are given they become change agents in their communities,” said Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uganda.</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%286%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;">Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, former President, IFFS.</div>

<div class="single video" style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, President of IFFS supported the need and importance of building fertility care capacity in Africa. “We in high resource countries have an obligation to provide education, service and translate in the shortest period of time the advances that are being made in our labs to middle and low resource countries”.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%287%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"> 
Prof. Richard Kennedy, President, IFFS.

“IFFS has an important role to support “Merck More than a Mother”. We agree that education is essential and that we will support the education and training initiatives necessary in Africa to develop capacity for infertility treatment,” said Prof Richard Kennedy, President elect of IFFS.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%288%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"> 
Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President Africa Fertility Society.

“In Nigeria people who come into our clinics are afraid because they don’t want people to know they are taking fertility treatment. In most of these cases only women seek treatment for infertility and not the men. People prefer to seek help elsewhere and by the time they come for medical help it is too late. We are happy that “Merck More than a Mother” campaign is being launched in Nigeria and in Africa to create a culture shift that will enable people to seek proper treatment for infertility and that there is respect for womanhood than motherhood,” emphasized Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President Africa Fertility Society.

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%289%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"> 
Dr. Patrick Amoth Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya

Dr. Patrick Amoth, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kenya pledged support for the work that “Merck More than a Mother” is doing in Kenya. “The Ministry will play a key role in developing policy and guidelines to implement the ART law to ensure standards and regulations are maintained to protect couples seeking fertility treatment from exploitation,” he emphasized.

<div class="video single" style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pt4ZT3mupZs" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="video single" style="text-align: left;">Watch this video for a long version of the high level panel discussion on&nbsp;infertility challenges and solutions in Africa</div>

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%2810%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"> 
The high level panel (left to right):&nbsp; 
Dr. Patrick Amoth,&nbsp;Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services,&nbsp;Ministry of Health, Kenya; Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President of Africa Fertility Society;&nbsp;Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya; Dr. Richard Kennedy, President, IFFS;Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of Health, Uganda;&nbsp;Dr. Rasha Kelej,&nbsp;Chief Social Officer,&nbsp;Merck Healthcare; Hon. Betty Amongi, Uganda’s Minister of Lands Housing and&nbsp;Urban Development and Chair of Uganda Women Parliamentarian Association;&nbsp;Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, former&nbsp;President, IFFS; Hon. Julia Duncan-Cassell,&nbsp;Minister of Gender, Liberia and&nbsp;Dr. James&nbsp;Olobo-Lalobo,&nbsp;Vice-President,&nbsp;Africa Fertility Society

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/iffs+2015+%2811%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"> 
At the World Congress of IFFS, 2000 world fertility expert
</div>
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"Merck More than a Mother" in partnership with the International Federation of Fertility Societies- IFFS  conducted a high level panel addressed infertility challenges and solutions in Africa at the opening ceremony of the World Congress of IFFS held in New Delhi, India. The high level panel of ministers, parliamentarians and global fertility experts from IFFS and Africa Fertility Society highlighted lack of access to regulated fertility care and awareness about infertility management and widespread stigma of infertile women as some of the key challenges in Africa. 
 

“Merck More than a Mother” addresses infertility challenges and solutions in Africa in partnership with IFFS

“Merck More than a Mother” high level panel calls for action to improve access to regulated fertility care and empower infertile women in Africa
 

“Merck More than a Mother” - support from Finland


“Merck More than a Mother” campaign was launched in Nigeria championed by the country’s first lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Aisha Buhari. The launch held in Abuja, Nigeria is in partnership with Senate Commission on Health; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Future Assured Foundation.

Breaking the stigma around infertility “Merck More than a Mother” championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari

Championed by H.E. the Wife of the President (First Lady of Nigeria), Mrs Aisha Buhari, "Merck More than a Mother" campaign has been launched in Nigeria to empower infertile women by improving access to information, education, healthcare and change of culture and mind set to de-stigmatize infertility.

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