Banjul: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, recently met with the First Lady of Burundi, Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye, during the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in The Gambia. They discussed their ongoing projects aimed at building healthcare capacity and supporting girl education in Burundi. According to African Press Organization, the conference, co-chaired by the First Lady of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and Dr. Kelej, gathered First Ladies from several African nations, including Burundi, to serve as keynote speakers and guests of honor. The partnership between Merck Foundation and Burundi began in 2020, and since then, 55 scholarships have been awarded to local Burundian doctors in various specialties. These scholarships span critical areas such as Oncology, Fertility, Diabetes, and more, aiming to enhance the healthcare system in Burundi. A significant milestone achieved through this collaboration is the establishment of Burundi's first Diabetes Center an d a public IVF center, made possible by training provided to local specialists through Merck Foundation scholarships. Madam Ndayishimiye highlighted the importance of education in empowering girls and noted the Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged but high-performing girls. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address social and health issues in Burundi and beyond. The conference also included a session by the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) committee, where African First Ladies discussed the impact of Merck Foundation programs in their countries and future strategies. The event was streamed live on Merck Foundation's social media channels for broader outreach. Additionally, the partnership has led to the publication of nine children's storybooks addressing social issues like infertility stigma, girl education, and health concerns like diabetes and cancer. Thousands of these books have been distributed in Burundian schools to rai se awareness. Merck Foundation has been actively providing scholarships and training to healthcare providers globally since 2012, with 2,500 scholarships awarded across 52 countries. The organization continues to focus on expanding healthcare capacity through education and training in underserved areas.
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