The Merck Foundation has successfully convened its 12th edition of the Africa Asia Luminary Conference at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
The two-day event, which began Tuesday, brought together more than 50 first ladies from across Africa, along with cabinet ministers, National Assembly members, and members of the diplomatic and consular corps.
The conference served as a platform to highlight the Merck Foundation’s extensive work in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing education across Africa and Asia. To date, the foundation has provided more than 2,400 scholarships in the healthcare sector and continues to promote girls’ education through its flagship Educating Linda program, which supports underprivileged girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the government and people of The Gambia for hosting the conference. He emphasized that the foundation’s partnerships with African first ladies have made Merck Foundation one of the continent’s most trusted organizations.
“Our long-standing cooperation with African first ladies has been instrumental in achieving sustainable impact,” Stangenberg-Haverkamp said. “We remain committed to addressing the critical healthcare needs of our member countries and to building a healthier and more equitable future.”
First lady of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, praised the foundation for its continuous support to the Gambian people. She said more than 1,000 Gambians have benefitted from Merck Foundation’s healthcare scholarship program, while the Educating Linda initiative continues to empower young girls through education.
“The Merck Foundation’s support complements our national efforts in both healthcare and education,” Bah Barrow said. “We are especially grateful for their initiatives that empower our girls and women, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Bah Barrow also underscored the importance of strengthening media capacity, urging continued support for journalists to uphold ethical standards and accuracy in their reporting.
Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow commended the Merck Foundation for its contribution to building resilient healthcare systems across Africa.
“A trained and motivated healthcare provider is the backbone of every strong health system,” Jallow said. “Such systems are vital for a nation’s social, economic, and political stability.”
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, chief executive officer of the Merck Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing healthcare and education throughout Africa and beyond.
“Health and education are the cornerstones of development,” Kelej said. “We are proud to continue supporting our member countries with programs that build capacity and empower communities.”
Over the years, the Merck Foundation has become a key partner in improving healthcare delivery across its member countries, offering specialized training to medical professionals and supporting girls’ education. The 12th Africa Asia Luminary Conference reaffirmed the foundation’s mission to create a healthier and more educated future for Africa and Asia.
