The Merck Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, empowering girls, and building media capacity in Senegal through an expanded partnership with the country’s First Lady.
At the 12th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary conference, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Rasha Kelej, underscored ongoing collaboration with Marie Khone Faye to transform patient care and address pressing social and health challenges in the country.
The high-level conference, hosted in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, brought together several African First Ladies, ministers, health experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery, advancing scientific research, and empowering women and girls.
29 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENEGALESE DOCTORS
Dr. Kelej revealed that the Foundation has so far provided 29 scholarships for Senegalese doctors in critical and underserved medical specialties, including oncology, fertility, embryology and diabetes.
According to her, eight scholarships were awarded in oncology to enhance cancer care capacity within the country, while 11 doctors received hands-on training in fertility and embryology, as well as postgraduate and master’s degrees in sexual and reproductive health. An additional 10 scholarships were granted for a diabetes master’s course to strengthen diagnosis, treatment and community awareness.
“We have so far provided 29 scholarships for Senegalese doctors in many specialties such as oncology, diabetes, fertility, and embryology,” Dr. Kelej said, adding that discussions are ongoing to scale up the programme.
She noted that since 2012, the Foundation has awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 underserved specialties, describing capacity building as central to improving healthcare systems across Africa and Asia.
EDUCATING LINDA PROGRAMME LAUNCHED
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Faye expressed appreciation for the partnership, describing it as impactful for both healthcare and education in Senegal.
She announced the launch of the “Educating Linda” programme in Senegal, through which 40 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls will receive annual scholarships to support their education.
“Together we have launched the Educating Linda programme in my country, through which we are providing annual scholarships to 40 best-performing schoolgirls who are underprivileged,” she said.
The First Lady added that the medical scholarships are already contributing significantly to improving patient care and women’s health services in Senegal.
FOCUS ON MEDIA, RESEARCH AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Beyond healthcare training, the Foundation and the Office of the First Lady recently conducted an online health media training aimed at equipping journalists to raise awareness on critical issues such as girl education, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, diabetes and hypertension.
The conference also featured a high-level ministerial panel to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) strategy, which seeks to strengthen scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM fields across Africa.
Additionally, the Foundation announced the 2026 call for applications for eight annual awards targeting media professionals, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers and students to promote advocacy through creative platforms.
As part of its community outreach, the Foundation is set to distribute French-language editions of its children’s storybooks in Senegal, addressing themes such as infertility stigma, girl education, gender equality, diabetes and hypertension awareness.
The Africa Asia Luminary conference concluded with renewed commitments from participating First Ladies and partners to expand programmes that improve healthcare delivery, empower women and girls, and foster sustainable social change across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
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