Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has provided 1,046 scholarships to female medical graduates as part of its Women Empowerment Mission. The scholarships are part of a total of 2,230 awarded to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, stated, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women around the world, we honour their strength, resilience, and achievements.”
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More Than a Mother campaign
The “More Than a Mother” campaign, launched in 2016, aims to break infertility stigma, build quality reproductive and fertility care capacity, and improve awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility. The initiative seeks to empower infertile women by providing access to information, education, and economic opportunities.
Dr. Kelej emphasised the impact of the initiative, stating, “Together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we celebrate women every day through our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign – a testament to our commitment to empowering women in general, and infertile women in particular, who face infertility stigma, by providing access to information, education, change of mindset, and economic empowerment.”
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Medical scholarships and fertility care capacity building
Merck Foundation has awarded over 680 scholarships in Embryology, Fertility, and Reproductive Care to young doctors from 39 countries, strengthening women’s health services. Many of these doctors are the first local experts in their respective countries, where embryologists or fertility specialists were previously unavailable. Countries benefiting from this initiative include The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, and Congo.
Dr. Kelej stated, “I take great pride in the work we do at Merck Foundation to build and enhance fertility care capacity across Africa and Asia, supporting childless women and couples on their fertility journey.”
Economic support for women facing infertility stigma
Merck Foundation provides economic support for childless women, helping them start small businesses. This effort is aimed at ensuring that women lead fulfilling lives regardless of their ability to conceive.
Dr. Kelej said, “We also support childless women by helping them start their own small businesses. It is all about giving every woman the respect and support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.”
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Infertility stigma and social challenges
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 180 million couples in developing countries face infertility, affecting one in every four couples. In many African societies, infertility carries deep social stigma, with women often blamed for the inability to conceive. This stigma can lead to discrimination, isolation, and, in some cases, domestic violence.
Community awareness and media engagement
Merck Foundation has trained over 3,500 media representatives from 35 countries to raise awareness and break the stigma around infertility. The foundation, in collaboration with First Ladies from Africa and Asia, has introduced the ‘More Than a Mother’ Children’s Storybook and Animation Film to promote family values and challenge stereotypes about infertility from a young age.
Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here
Our Africa TV program
Merck Foundation produces the pan-African TV program “Our Africa,” conceptualised, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej. The program features African fashion designers, singers, and experts from various fields to create awareness and drive cultural change. Several episodes focus on infertility awareness and breaking stigma.
Dr. Kelej stated, “Together with African and Asian First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility and reproductive care across Africa and beyond.”
