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Over 32,000 participants from various countries converged online to discuss strategies and solutions for equitable healthcare solutions as well as define interventions to break the stigma around infertility and to support girl education as ambassadors of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" campaign.

The annual conference but for the COVID-19 pandemic would have been held in Zambia. Nonetheless, the President of Zambia, H.E. Edgar Chagwa Lungu inaugurated the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary via zoom. The theme was “together we can make a Difference”

The Chairman for the Conference, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation said “due to the global pandemic of covid- 19 we couldn’t conduct the annual conference of Merck Foundation in Zambia as planned, therefore, we are pleased to conduct it online as a Videoconference, where more than 32,000 participants from more than 70 countries can meet and discuss strategies and solutions for health challenges in their countries with that aim to contribute to improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions and building healthcare capacity in many critical and underserved medical fields such as; Diabetes, cardiovascular, endocrinology, Cancer, Research, Fertility Care, Women Health, Sexual & Reproductive care, Respiratory Medicines, and Acute Medicines”.

Scholarship for Doctors

According to Dr Kelej, over “1100 doctors from 42 countries have benefited from Merck Foundation scholarship in the above fields, and more will join in the next few years to benefit from more scholarships in more specialties such as: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Mental Health, Orthopedic Trauma, Paediatric, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Pain Management, Psychiatry, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Ophthalmology, Urology, Trauma and orthopedics.

She further appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of “our everyday heroes, our medical workers during the coronavirus pandemic, and we will celebrate our joint achievements and your dedicated contribution to ensure our programs have a significant impact in your countries”.

The First Lady of Zambia who co-chaired the conference noted that Merck Foundation has been a long-term partner in building capacity for health workers, in improving access to healthcare, information and breaking the silence, stigma, and discrimination associated with infertility.

“We are indebted to Merck Foundation for selecting Zambia to host this important knowledge platform where we will discuss cross-cutting issues to address various health and social challenges besides finding solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of our nations.

The day was also to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Merck Foundation.

About ‘Merck More Than A Mother’ campaign

‘Merck More Than A Mother’ initiative aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and health and by changing mindsets. This powerful initiative supports government 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 and management. In partnership with academia, ministries of health and international fertility societies, the initiative also provides medical education and training for healthcare providers and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.

‘Merck More Than A Mother’, has initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: by improving awareness, training the skills of local experts, building advocacy in cooperation with decision-makers and by supporting childless women in starting their own small business. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.