Banjul: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held its 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary conference in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia. The event in Banjul was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, alongside Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The conference saw the participation of The First Ladies of Liberia, Burundi, Central Africa, Nigeria, So Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her delight in meeting H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, The First Lady of Liberia. Dr. Kelej highlighted their collaborative success in providing 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors in various medical fields, contributing significantly to the healthcare sector. The First Lady of Liberia, H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, emphasized her pride in the achievements made p ossible through her partnership with Merck Foundation, including the Educating Linda program, which annually supports 40 high-performing girls with scholarships.The conference's first day featured keynote addresses from African First Ladies and a ministerial panel discussion. The second day included the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee meeting, where First Ladies shared impact reports and discussed future strategies for Merck Foundation programs.Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Liberia have granted 52 scholarships to local doctors in critical specialties like Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes care. Additionally, the Educating Linda Program annually provides scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls, with 3000 essential school item sets distributed to support students. Furthermore, Merck Foundation, along with the First Lady of Liberia, launched nine children's storybooks to address social issues and health awareness, distributing thousands of copies to school students.Merck Foundation also announced the call for applications for their awards in partnership with the First Lady of Liberia, targeting media, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. The Luminary event was streamed live on Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej's social media platforms, further extending the reach of the foundation's initiatives.The Merck Foundation is recognized for transforming patient care and addressing social and health issues in Africa and beyond through its extensive scholarship programs, media training, and cultural initiatives.