We will improve quality health care services in Africa, Asia- Merck Foundation

Bukola Afeni

The Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, said the foundation  will continue to improve quality and equitable health care solutions in Africa and Asia.

She made the disclosure  during  the 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary online conference,  in partnership with the  Government of Zambia.

According to her, the 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021, is meant to contribute towards  improving access to quality and  equitable healthcare solution.

“We are  meant to  build healthcare capacity in the fields of Diabetes, Fertility, Oncology, women health, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory and Acute Medicine.

We are also building healthcare capacity in many critical and underserved medical fields such as,  Diabetes, cardiovascular, endocrinology, Cancer,  Research, Fertility care, Women Health, Sexual and Reproductive care, Respiratory Medicines and Acute medicines.”

Speaking at the event, Senator Kelej, said more  than 1100 doctors from 42 countries have benefited from Merck foundation scholarship in the medical  field.

“Together we can make a  difference through building health care capacity, and improving access to equitable health solution, and breaking the stigma of infertility in two continents of  Africa and Asia.”

” In few years to come, we will want more professionals 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 and infectious diseases, Ophthalmology, , Urology, and  Trauma “.

The First lady of Zambia, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More than a Mother and Co-Chairperson of 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary,  Mrs Esther Lungu, said she has been working with first ladies in 35 countries to improve the health of women.

She added that when women  is able  to  access  good quality services, the whole country will be affected positively for good.

“Together we can make a  difference through building health care capacity, and improving access to equitable health solution and breaking the stigma of infertility in the two continents, Africa and Asia.

We have reached out to a large number of countries and individuals. Our ongoing program will transform the health care system”.

The Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, said the Foundation will not relent in improving health care services in Asia and Africa.

He further charged leaders all over the world to extend support in order to improve health care services.

 “Everyone in the world  should lead happy and fulfilling life. We have achieved together a huge success, and we are going to continue.  We will  extend our support to people in different part of the world.

We want to discuss solution to improve access to health care services, and improve fertility in the world”.

” This year’s meeting is part of Merck’s Foundation commitment to Africa and Asia’s health care need, especially in the area of disease detection”.