Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, announces the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, scheduled for October 29-30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – The Merck Foundation, a philanthropic organization, has announced the 11th edition of its annual conference, the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary. The event, scheduled for October 29-30, 2024, will be held in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and under the patronage of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The conference aims to improve healthcare capacity and provide access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. It will feature African First Ladies as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, including representatives from over 15 countries.
“We are excited to announce the 11th Edition of our annual conference in partnership with the Government of Tanzania to be inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” said Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary. “I am also very happy to welcome our Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of ‘More Than a Mother’ Campaign, for the Luminary.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed, “At Merck Foundation, our mission is to improve overall health and well-being by strengthening healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Our annual conference stands as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to this cause.”
Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima (M.P.), Minister of Community Development, Gender Women and Special Groups, Tanzania, emphasized, “We are delighted to host this prestigious conference in Tanzania, that brings together Africa’s First Ladies, Ministers, Policymakers, Academia, Healthcare providers and Media from over 70 countries.”
The conference will be held in a hybrid format, featuring both physical and online participation of over 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, academia, researchers, and health media representatives from over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
During the conference, Merck Foundation will celebrate two significant milestones: the 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 12 years of their impactful development programs.
“Since 2012, we have made significant progress. I am happy to share that we have provided more than 2,000 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialties,” added Senator, Dr. Kelej.
The conference will include plenary sessions, medical and scientific sessions, and a community awareness program for African journalists. The program will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change regarding social and health issues.
Countries participating in the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will include Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe
