First Lady Seeks Merck Foundation Support for School Feeding and Health in Kenya
The Merck Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing healthcare and women’s empowerment, expressed enthusiasm for this call.
By Callister Bonareri
In a bid to enhance school feeding and health programs in Kenya, First Lady Rachel Ruto called for expanded partnerships with the Merck Foundation at the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Addressing delegates at the event’s opening, Ruto emphasized the link between health and education, noting how poor nutrition hampers the learning potential of millions across Africa.
“Our challenge is severe,” Ruto stated, pointing to the 46 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa who remain out of school due to poverty and conflict.
She highlighted that nutritious meals could significantly improve school attendance and student concentration, advocating for the inclusion of school feeding and child health in Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” campaign.
The Merck Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing healthcare and women’s empowerment, expressed enthusiasm for this call.
CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej acknowledged the critical role the foundation plays in enhancing access to healthcare and education.
“It is an honor to conduct this year’s conference under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania,” Dr. Kelej remarked, underscoring the alignment between Merck Foundation’s mission and the event’s theme of public health improvement.
The conference convened several African First Ladies, including representatives from Burundi, Cabo Verde, and the Central African Republic, who serve as ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” initiative.
These leaders discussed various social health issues, including ending child marriage, supporting girls’ education, eradicating gender-based violence, and eliminating the stigma surrounding infertility.
Dr. Kelej highlighted Merck Foundation’s commitment to building healthcare capacity across Africa. Since its inception, the foundation has provided over 2,080 scholarships in critical medical specialties to young doctors from 52 countries, including Kenya.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Merck Foundation’s Chairman, echoed this dedication, noting that healthcare empowerment is key to fostering both economic and social growth.
The two-day event, inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, drew over 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, and media professionals.
Attendees discussed strategies in 44 underserved medical specialties, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare skills, combating infertility stigma, and supporting girls’ education across Africa.
Celebrating seven years of the Merck Foundation’s operations in Africa, this year’s luminary marks a milestone in its 12-year journey of impactful programs aimed at addressing healthcare and societal challenges across Africa and Asia.
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