Nairobi, Kenya – Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has reiterated its long-term commitment to raising awareness on sensitive social and health issues through its “Our Africa” television program. The program, which will air on KTN Kenya every Saturday at 5 pm and repeat on Thursday at 6:30 am, aims to create a culture shift across Africa on issues such as breaking infertility stigma, promoting girl education, and ending gender-based violence.
During a high-level meeting with The Standard Group, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, discussed the impact of the program with Mr. Joe Munene, Executive Director and Former Group CEO of The Standard Group, and his team.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the significance of media in reaching every household and being the voice of the voiceless. “Through ‘Our Africa TV Program’, we aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa on critical issues,” she said.
The program has established a fashion and art community with purpose across 24 countries to voice the voiceless and break the silence on sensitive social and health issues. Merck Foundation also launched its first animation film on diabetes awareness, ‘Sugar-Free Jude’, to promote healthy lifestyles amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.
During the meeting, the rising incidence of diabetes and hypertension was discussed, and Merck Foundation showcased its commitment to healthcare capacity building in Africa. The partnership with The Standard Group reinforces Merck Foundation’s dedication to informing, educating, and raising awareness on social and health issues in Africa.
Discussion about this post