By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia yesterday opened its doors to the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, bringing together First Ladies from across Africa, policymakers, and health experts in a collective effort to strengthen healthcare systems and empower women across the continent.
The two-day conference, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, is being co-chaired by Her Excellency, Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, alongside Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Vice President Muhammed B. S. Jallow, President Adama Barrow commended the Merck Foundation’s 13 years of impactful partnership with African nations, describing it as “a model of genuine investment in human development.” He praised the role of African First Ladies in championing maternal health, fertility awareness, and girls’ education.
“Real progress begins when we invest in people, when we care for the sick, educate the young, and empower the vulnerable,” President Barrow said.
First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s health and education, revealing that about a hundred Gambian doctors have benefitted from Merck Foundation scholarships in vital medical fields, including oncology, fertility, pediatrics, and respiratory medicine.
“Our collaboration with Merck Foundation continues to empower health professionals through specialized training, ensuring they are better equipped to deliver quality care to those who need it most,” she stated, while also emphasizing the importance of ethical health journalism in combating misinformation.
Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp applauded The Gambia’s hospitality and reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to “transform patient care, empower women, and support girl education” across Africa and Asia. He disclosed that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,400 medical scholarships to professionals in 52 countries.
First Ladies from Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Burundi, Cape Verde, the Central African Republic, and São Tomé and Príncipe are attending the summit, which focuses on advancing healthcare, education, and social welfare through innovation and partnership.
As the luminary unfolds, The Gambia stands at the center of Africa’s renewed commitment to equitable healthcare and women’s empowerment, a powerful testament to collaboration and shared purpose.
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By: Fatou Krubally The Gambia yesterday opened its doors to the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia…
The post First Ladies Meet in Banjul to Tackle Health Gaps and Empower Women appeared first on .
