Dubai: Merck Foundation, the charitable arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 19th and 20th, 2025. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Joining them were the First Ladies from 14 African and Asian countries, serving as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her honor in welcoming the First Ladies, who are Ambassadors of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, to exchange experiences and engage in discussions aimed at transforming patient care and addressing critical social and health issues. Dr. Kelej highlighted the collaborative efforts to transform patient care across Africa and beyond.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp emphasized Merck Foundation’s mission to improve health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing equitable healthcare solutions in Africa, Asia, and beyond. He acknowledged the support of their Ambassadors and partners in working towards a vision where everyone can lead a healthy life.

The First Ladies in attendance were H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço of Angola, H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho of Cabo Verde, H.E. Madam Brigitte Touadera of the Central African Republic, and others from Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Dr. Rasha Kelej noted that Merck Foundation has provided over 2500 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in underserved specialties. She expressed pride in these efforts to transform patient care landscapes, with many alumni becoming the first specialists in their countries. The summit also marked the World Infertility Awareness Month through the "More Than a Mother" campaign, focusing on empowering infertile women and promoting fertility care and women’s health.

The summit celebrated the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of its development programs. The first day featured a high-level panel discussion with the First Ladies and a ministerial panel with African ministers and global health experts. Day two included sessions on oncology, fertility, and Merck Foundation Health Media Training, emphasizing the media’s role in addressing social and health issues.

Conducted in a hybrid format, the summit reached over 6,000 participants from more than 70 countries. The event was streamed live on Merck Foundation’s and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s social media platforms.

Merck Foundation continues to provide scholarships to doctors, train media personnel, and launch initiatives to raise awareness about social and health issues. With over 8 million followers on social media, Merck Foundation aims to address these challenges through various platforms including TV programs, animation films, and community engagement.