By Kuda Pembere in Dar Es Salaam
The Merck Foundation says it awarded an additional twenty scholarships to Zimbabwean doctors bringing the total number of recipients to more than 122 over the past 12 months.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe’s First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa in her keynote speech, in Dar-Es-Salaam on Tuesday at the Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary.
Through our long-term partnership and as the ambassador of Merck Foundation More than a Woman, we have provided more than 122 scholarships of one-year diploma and two-year Masters’ degree to young Zimbabwean doctors in 44 critical and underserved specialties including fertility, immunology, oncology, diabetes, preventive cardiovascular, endocrinology, sexual and reproductive care, respiratory medicine, acute medicine, clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, neonatal care, psychiatry, internal medicine, emergency pediatric, orthopedic trauma and more,” she said.
“Out of total of 122 scholarships, 51 scholarships have been extended to doctors specializing in diabetes, endocrinology, preventive cardiovascular, obesity and weight management. We are transforming the diabetes care within our nation.”
She expressed her continued commitment to dismantle stigma surrounding infertility.
“Fifty-six more scholarships have been provided for fertility, embryology, one-year diploma and two-year master degree of sexual and reproductive care.
“These scholarships add a substantial value to women’s health, transforms the landscape of fertility, sexual and reproductive health care nationwide. It is very important to me in my capacity as a fellow woman to break stigma around infertile women.
“In addition, 34 scholarships have been provided of respiratory care, acute medicine, pain management, infectious diseases, dermatology, neuroimaging for research, neurosurgery, pediatrics and rheumatology.
“Ladies and gentlemen, advancing health care capacity of a country is extremely critical to the development of our nation. Hence, I recognize the magnitude of this accomplishment and hold it in high regard,” Dr Mnangagwa said.
The President of United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized “I am delighted to host this prestigious conference in Tanzania. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. I am certain that this conference will help us to achieve our shared mission — to make a transformation in the health and well-being of our people. I deeply appreciate the programs of Merck Foundation that are building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education.”
Amidst a school feeding programme crisis in Kenya, the country’s First Lady Rachel Ruto appealed to Merck Foundation to chip in with assistance.
Kenya’s First Lady highlighted the need for children to be in good health to have a successful education.
“We face a major challenge today despite education being a fundamental right, countless children remain locked out of learning opportunities due to poverty, conflict, and other barriers,” Rachel said.
The First Lady noted that 46 million children remain out of school across eastern and southern Africa because of the challenges calling for more consideration from the foundation.
“Nutrition is critical in unlocking children’s potential and a healthy meal can be the bridge that enables a child to attend school and concentrate on their education.I urge the Mark Foundation to consider extending the “More than a Mother” campaign to include specific programmes focused on children’s health and education, particularly in the area of school feeding,” she said.
Malawi’s First Lady, Monica Chakwera reiterated her dedication to promoting girls’ education and empowering women with infertility.
“We will continue to advocate for a cultural shift regarding a wide range of social and heaIth issues, including breaking the stigma around in fert ility, supporting girls’ education and ending child marriage,” she said
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary said, “I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our partner, the Government of Tanzania, for their unwavering support in making it a success.
“Moreover, I am honored to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, also the Ambassadors of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.
“Together, we shared experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness on a wide range of critical social and health issues.”
