First Lady Rachel Ruto Joins African and Asian Counterparts in Global Health Push at Merck Foundation Luminary
Her involvement aligns with Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, an initiative aimed at challenging infertility stigma and promoting greater understanding of reproductive health challenges.
By Calister Bonareri
First Lady Rachel Ruto has joined 12 African and Asian counterparts at the 13th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, placing Kenya at the centre of a continental conversation on healthcare access, specialist training and efforts to address stigma surrounding infertility and reproductive health.
The virtual conference, held on June 18 and 19, brought together First Ladies and representatives from Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Kenya.
The leaders participated as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, highlighting the growing role of health diplomacy in shaping policies and public awareness across Africa and Asia.
For Kenya, Mrs. Ruto’s participation came at a significant time, coinciding with World Infertility Awareness Month. Her involvement aligns with Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign, an initiative aimed at challenging infertility stigma and promoting greater understanding of reproductive health challenges.
In many communities, infertility remains a sensitive issue, with women experiencing social pressure and stigma instead of receiving medical support and accurate information.
The Luminary highlighted the scale of Merck Foundation’s healthcare investment, with CEO and Chairperson of the Africa Asia Luminary, Dr. Rasha Kelej, announcing that the foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
More than 800 scholarships have specifically supported training in areas including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills and Family Medicine.
These areas remain crucial for countries such as Kenya, where shortages of highly specialized medical professionals have historically affected access to advanced healthcare services.
Dr. Kelej noted that several Merck Foundation scholarship beneficiaries have gone on to become the first specialists of their kind in their respective countries, helping strengthen local healthcare systems and reducing dependence on overseas treatment.
The foundation also highlighted its wider global impact, including its work with the media and education sectors.
Through its initiatives, Merck Foundation has trained more than 4,000 media representatives from over 42 countries on responsible reporting of sensitive health and social issues, including infertility and related stigma.
The foundation also supports education through more than 1,550 annual scholarships for African schoolgirls across 21 countries, covering essential needs such as tuition, books, uniforms and transport.
The first day of the Luminary attracted more than 800 participants from 57 English, French and Portuguese-speaking countries, while the livestream reached more than 220,000 viewers through social media platforms.
The second day focused on scientific discussions, including sessions on Oncology and Fertility, providing a platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and strengthen medical practices.
Merck Foundation’s approach places First Ladies at the forefront of advocacy because issues such as infertility, cancer and reproductive health are influenced not only by medical challenges but also by social attitudes and cultural perceptions.
Through the “More Than a Mother” campaign, Dr. Kelej has emphasized that changing community mindsets is essential in improving how societies support women facing infertility.
Speaking during the opening session, Merck Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp said the organisation remains committed to improving health and wellbeing by strengthening healthcare capacity and expanding access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia and beyond.
The 13th Luminary also marked the foundation’s ninth anniversary and 14 years since its development programmes began in 2012.
For the Berlin-based philanthropic organisation linked to Merck KGaA Germany, which was established in 2017, the continued investment in healthcare systems across Africa represents a long-term commitment.
The impact of the Luminary will ultimately be measured by whether countries such as Kenya experience stronger fertility care infrastructure, increased numbers of trained specialists and improved access to healthcare services.
For now, Mrs. Ruto’s participation places Kenya within a broader scholarship and advocacy network that has already contributed to transforming specialist healthcare across several countries.
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