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Mathale to lead Limpopo ministerial imbizo

Source: Government of South Africa

Mathale to lead Limpopo ministerial imbizo

Police Deputy Cassel Mathale, together with the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, will lead a Crime Prevention Ministerial Imbizo in Giyani, Thomo Village in Limpopo.

“The imbizo aims to provide a platform for meaningful and effective engagement between the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, community members, and key stakeholders on collaborative efforts to combat and prevent crime,” the police said on Friday.

Saturday’s imbizo will also entail tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), stock theft, as well as other prevalent crimes affecting Thomo Village and surrounding communities.

According to the police, the engagement aims to identify practical, sustainable solutions and strengthen partnerships in the fight against crime. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Churches urged to help fight GBV, injustice

Source: Government of South Africa

Churches urged to help fight GBV, injustice

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has called on churches to take a firm stand against gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, discrimination and other forms of injustice.

Letsike made the call while addressing the Central District Young Women’s Manyano 21st Annual Convention in Soweto.

“If the church could find its voice against racial oppression, it must find its voice against gender-based violence. If our church halls could become spaces in which oppressed communities organised for freedom, they must become safe spaces for survivors today,” Letsike said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister noted that some of the most difficult “unmapped territories” confronting society are not geographical, but exist within homes, communities, and in some cases, churches.

These include violence against women, abuse of children, the vulnerability of persons with disabilities, poverty, unemployment, discrimination and the isolation experienced by many people.

She said women may enter churches while carrying the burden of unemployment, single parenthood, disability, financial dependence on an abusive partner or trauma caused by sexual violence.

“These realities do not disappear when the hymn begins. Our religion must therefore be capable of responding to the deepest social needs of the people who practise it. There is no justification for silence when abuse is taking place.”

The Deputy Minister also warned against using forgiveness to shield perpetrators from accountability.

“Forgiveness cannot be manipulated into immunity from accountability.”

Letsike said survivors often faced a second battle after surviving abuse – persuading their communities to believe them.

For women and children with disabilities, the risks can be compounded because of their dependence on others for transport, communication, money, personal assistance or care.

“The very relationship that should provide safety can become the relationship through which power is abused. That is why our approach must be intersectional,” she said.

Letsike also called for the inclusion and protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people, saying their dignity should not be regarded as less important.

“Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women are women. They experience the same economic pressures, violence and insecurity that other women experience, while sometimes also confronting discrimination because of who they are,” she said.

Equality cannot depend on a person’s sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, class, or where someone happens to live.

Letsike said faith communities should ensure that prayer is accompanied by action and service, noting that the Young Women’s Manyano is a prayer and service union.

“Not prayer alone. Prayer and service. The conjunction matters. Prayer turns us towards God. Service turns us towards one another.”

While government has established policies and institutions to address gender-based violence and femicide, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, Letsike stressed that no national strategy can succeed through government intervention alone.

“The success is determined in homes, churches, schools, clinics, police stations and communities.”

The Deputy Minister called on the church not to spiritually mediate conduct that requires legal and social accountability.

“A child who has been sexually abused requires protection. A woman whose life is threatened requires safety. A person with a disability who reports violence requires accessible justice,” Letsike said.

Reflecting on 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March, 50 years since the 1976 Student Uprising and 30 years of Constitutional Democracy, Letsike said South Africans should not merely admire previous generations but consider what courage requires of them today.

She said the “unmapped territory” could include confronting conversations about abuse, building churches where women could disclose violence without fear, ensuring that persons with disabilities take leadership roles, and challenging homophobia and the exclusion of LGBTI people. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Zambia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the general elections

Source: APO


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The European Union acknowledges the announcement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia of the results of the general elections held on 13 August and the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), invited by the Zambian authorities, has been deployed throughout the country, reflecting the EU’s continued support to Zambia’s democratic governance.

In its preliminary findings, the EU EOM noted that the election day was calm overall, with voting generally conducted efficiently and voters were offered a competitive choice, although restrictions on campaigning and advantages associated with incumbency contributed to an uneven playing field. The latest EOM statement points to serious incidents and procedural irregularities during the counting and tabulation, impacting the transparency and the credibility of the process.

As the electoral process continues, the EU encourages all stakeholders to build on Zambia’s strong democratic record and address any grievances peacefully and constructively. Any disputes should be addressed through the established legal procedures, and any reported episodes of violence should be duly investigated with full accountability.

The EU values its long-standing partnership with Zambia and stands ready to continue working together in view of a democratic, prosperous and peaceful future for the people of Zambia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action.

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Third suspect arrested in connection with Reiger Park killings

Source: Government of South Africa

Third suspect arrested in connection with Reiger Park killings

A 27-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court today in connection with the brutal killing of two police officers and two civilians in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, earlier this month.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Germiston, following an intelligence-driven operation that traced him to Ekurhuleni.

The latest arrest brings to three the number of suspects identified and charged in connection with the murders.

The suspect faces charges similar to those of his co-accused.

Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, commended the team for its swift and methodical response, which led to the suspect’s arrest.

“The Hawks will remain steadfast in their efforts to investigate and apprehend those who involve themselves in taking innocent lives, particularly the lives of our law enforcement officers,” Nkosi said.

Earlier, the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, commended the multidisciplinary team, following the arrest of a second suspect in connection with the tragic shooting that took place on 7 August 2026.

READ |  Cachalia commends arrest of second suspect in Reiger Park shooting
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Copper cable thief handed 15-year prison sentence

Source: Government of South Africa

Copper cable thief handed 15-year prison sentence

A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for tampering with Eskom copper cables supplying electricity to households at Morgenzon, in Standerton.

Ncanawe Andrew Mngomezulu was sentenced by the Standerton Regional Court in Mpumalanga this week.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mngomezulu was seen cutting Eskom copper cables by a witness in May 2022. He subsequently fled the scene when he realised that he had been seen.

“The complainant informed her brother about the incident and subsequently reported the matter to the police and Eskom, leading to the accused’s arrest.

“In court, Mngomezulu pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. He claimed that he had previously been involved in a casual sexual relationship with the complainant between 2018 and 2019,” the NPA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The witness told the court that Mngomezulu’s actions resulted in her home being without electricity for a month until Eskom repaired the damage.

“An Eskom technician also testified, confirming that the damaged copper cable was Eskom property. The technician further testified about the extent of the damage and the replacement value of the cable.

“The court found the complainant to be a reliable and credible witness and convicted Mngomezulu as charged,” the statement read.

Following the verdict, the defence requested a lesser sentence based on “substantial and compelling circumstances,” which the state opposed.

“The state…submitted that the accused had been convicted of a prevalent offence that undermines service delivery efforts to communities. Prosecutor Mkhabela highlighted that vandalism of essential infrastructure has far-reaching consequences [which] negatively affected the complainant’s quality of life and forced her to relocate while the electricity supply remained disrupted.

“The court considered the mitigating and aggravating factors and emphasised that crimes of this nature require appropriate punishment that fits both the offence and the circumstances surrounding its commission. Mngomezulu was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and was automatically declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence, which demonstrates that the courts will impose serious consequences on those who vandalise essential infrastructure and disrupt the delivery of critical services to communities,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Five people arrested in crystal meth manufacturing bust

Source: Government of South Africa

Five people arrested in crystal meth manufacturing bust

Five suspects have been arrested for allegedly operating a multimillion-rand crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation on a farm in Musina, Limpopo.

During the arrest on Thursday, authorities confiscated drugs and laboratory equipment with an estimated street value of R600 million, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 47, comprise two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals and a Malawian national.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), this is the third clandestine drug laboratory to be shut down in Limpopo. 

“The breakthrough follows a two-month intensive investigation into suspected drug manufacturing activities at the farm. The discovery has exposed an alleged sophisticated, industrial-scale operation believed to have been established for the manufacture of dangerous illicit substances destined for distribution,” the police said.

The discovery follows a high-impact, intelligence-driven operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), in collaboration with SAPS, South African Narcotics Bureau Head Office, Crime Intelligence Head Office, Hawks Limpopo, Special Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency and Homeland Security.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Advocate Gopz Govender, welcomed the arrest, saying the operation sends a clear warning to organised criminal networks.

“We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade. This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise. 

“We will follow the money; the networks and every person connected to this operation. There will be nowhere to hide,” Govender said.

The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, said the operation demonstrates law enforcement’s resolve to protect communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.

“We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates. Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them. This operation demonstrates that we will act decisively against the drug trade,” Scheepers said.

The five suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges relating to the manufacture and possession of illicit drugs. 
Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Captain Mokgosi celebrated for her efforts to protect the most vulnerable

Source: Government of South Africa

Captain Mokgosi celebrated for her efforts to protect the most vulnerable

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has paid tribute to 44-year-old Captain Julia Mokgosi for her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Mokgosi, who is attached to Head Office’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigation Unit, is being honoured for her role in the SAPS as part of the Women’s Month campaign, shining a light on extraordinary women in blue.

Her career commenced in 2002 when she was appointed as a Personnel Officer within Detective Services. 

Through dedication, professionalism, and perseverance, she progressed within the Detective environment and was appointed captain in the FCS Investigation Unit in May 2012.

With 24 years of dedicated service, Captain Mokgosi has consistently demonstrated commitment to the SAPS mandate and the pursuit of justice.

“Driven by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against crimes committed against women, children, and other vulnerable groups, Captain Mokgosi later transitioned into the FCS environment to broaden her experience and strengthen efforts aimed at protecting victims and supporting investigations into gender-based violence and related crimes.

“What makes her journey particularly inspiring is that her commitment to this cause is deeply personal. As a child, Captain Mokgosi experienced traumatic abuse and survived an attempted rape herself,” the SAPS said on Friday.

Instead of allowing these experiences to define her, she transformed her pain into purpose. 

“Through remarkable courage and resilience, she chose to dedicate her life to helping and protecting others who find themselves facing similar circumstances.

“Her personal experiences have given her a profound understanding of the fear, vulnerability, and emotional trauma often endured by victims of abuse. 

“This strengthened her determination to ensure that victims are treated with dignity, compassion, and professionalism while contributing towards creating an environment where justice can prevail, and hope can be restored,” the police said.

In her current role, Captain Mokgosi contributes to several key areas within the FCS environment, including the coordination of complaints against the police, conducting preliminary investigations into complaints against SAPS members, provincial coordination, performance management and Crime Administration System (CAS) fault coordination. 

Through her dedication and attention to detail, she contributes towards strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and enhancing the effectiveness of the FCS environment nationally.

The SAPS said Captain Mokgosi’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to continuous growth are evident in how she executes her responsibilities. 

“She has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not merely about position, but about service, empathy, and the ability to positively influence the lives of others.

“Through both her actions and her example, she reminds others that adversity does not have to determine one’s destiny and that challenges can be transformed into opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” the SAPS said.

Her resolve is inspired by her personal motto: “Make your life your message and be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

This principle guides her both personally and professionally. It reflects her belief that meaningful change begins with individual action, courage, and accountability. 

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, Captain Julia Mokgosi stands as a powerful example of resilience, courage and selfless service. 

“Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and illustrates how adversity can be transformed into a lifelong commitment to protecting others,” SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Ituri: United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) destroys explosive remnants of war in Bule

Source: APO

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) of MONUSCO destroyed several explosive remnants of war on August 18 in the town of Bule, located in Djugu Territory, Ituri Province. The operation eliminated a direct threat to civilians while also strengthening community awareness of the dangers posed by mines and other explosive remnants of war.

Three explosive devices discovered by returning residents

The devices that were neutralized had been discovered the previous week in Bule’s commercial center by residents gradually returning to their homes after spending nearly nine months at the displacement site in Plaine Savo.

Following the report of these dangerous objects, MONUSCO peacekeepers secured the area to prevent any incident while awaiting the arrival of demining specialists. On August 17, the UNMAS team from Bunia traveled to the site to safely carry out the destruction of the devices.

The intervention removed a major threat to residents of this community, which has been severely affected by armed conflict. The violence has left explosive remnants scattered throughout the area, exposing civilians to potentially devastating explosions.

MONUSCO’s action was welcomed by residents of Bule, who were aware of the danger posed by explosives left behind after the fighting.

“We thank MONUSCO for this action and we are very happy, because some of these explosive devices had become lodged in the wall of a house. We thank God for the work you have just done by removing them,” said Etienne Mandje, a businessman from Bule.

According to local sources, other explosive remnants of war may still be present in the town, which has been the scene of intense clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and armed groups in recent months.

In response, traditional authorities and residents are calling for broader demining operations in Bule to ensure the long-term safety of this community of more than 50,000 people and to facilitate the safe return of displaced populations. Local officials believe that comprehensive clearance remains essential to eliminate all remaining explosive threats in the area.

Raising awareness to prevent accidents

In addition to destroying the explosive devices, the UNMAS team conducted awareness sessions for the local population. Residents were informed about the safe behavior to adopt when encountering suspicious objects, particularly the importance of not touching or handling them and of immediately alerting the relevant security services.

This preventive approach is essential in a province where explosive remnants of war continue to pose a permanent threat to civilians.

Explosive devices are regularly reported in several localities in Djugu and Irumu territories, where armed violence has persisted for several years. In this context, demining operations and awareness campaigns conducted by MONUSCO and its partners play an important role in protecting civilians and supporting stabilization efforts in Ituri Province.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Uganda: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) factory to cut vaccine prices – Minister

Source: APO

Livestock farmers will be counting an extra saving after a factory to locally manufacture the foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine begins operations.

According to the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the factory, a partnership between the governments of Uganda and Egypt, will bring down the cost incurred by farmers to vaccinate their animals.

“With the foot and mouth vaccines that we have in stock, we are vaccinating the four-hoofed animals. Cows are vaccinated at Shs8,000 and goats at Shs4,000. But when the factory is here, the price will drop substantially. 

We are in high gear and have just signed the partnership,” said Tumwebaze, without detailing timelines. 

The minister made the revelation in response to concerns raised by Hon. Richard Ongorok (NRM, Usuk County) during the plenary sitting on Thursday, 20 August 2026, about the cost recovery scheme in line with the FMD vaccination programme.

Ongorok observed that the public, especially animal herders, have not been adequately educated on the policy guiding payment for the FMD vaccine.

Tumwebaze clarified that the policy guides farmers to pay online for the vaccine, noting that cases of indisciplined veterinary officers asking for cash payments have been reported to relevant authorities, for action.

“We will intensify the announcements in all local languages, to ensure that everybody who has animals that require vaccination, understands how they can acquire the vaccine,” he noted.

The minister also gave guidance to the House that government can no longer offer free maize and coffee seedlings to farmers, noting that they are now required to apply for funding under the Parish Development Model (PDM) to buy the seedlings.

He said this in response to a matter raised by Hon. Patrick Musinguzi (NRM, Kashari North County) during the sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.

Musinguzi said he had received overwhelming requests for seedlings from his constituents.

“During the State-of-the-Nation Address, the President directed us to awaken our people to effectively utilise the PDM and go into the money economy. As I speak, I need 941 coffee seedlings to support my people who are asking for them,” Musinguzi said.

The minister noted that the policy shifted government’s central procurement of seedlings through NAADS and distribution by MPs through registered cooperatives, to putting the funding under the framework of PDM.

“This is a substantial chunk of money that was sent to the parishes, but the coffee seedling issue seems not to fit well within PDM. The ministry does not have money for seedlings this season, but we will get guidance from the President and Cabinet on how we can handle it,” Tumwebaze said.

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, urged Members of Parliament to monitor the effectiveness of all government funded programmes, including Emyooga and the Grow Project.

“PDM is doing very well, despite a few challenges which we must identify and resolve. We also have the Emyooga and Grow projects. When we go to our respective communities, we need to audit how many people have received funds and address challenges of repayment. Our people must learn that these are revolving funds,” Nabbanja said.

She also called upon Legislators representing constituencies in Lango, Teso and Acholi sub-regions to follow-up the Shs5 million per household under the restocking programme, to ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation Transforms Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Asia through 1000 Scholarships for doctors from 52 Countries

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia and their partners including Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, is transforming Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Asia through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation shared, “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Cardiovascular Preventive Care.

Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided nearly 1,000 Scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive Care, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs.

A key strength of these scholarships is that they support doctors not only from capital cities but from across the country, helping expand healthcare capacity and improve access to hypertension and diabetes care nationwide.”

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2650 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Hazel W. Kariuki, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Kenya shares, “I received the Merck Foundation Scholarship, and I would describe my journey as transformative. The training program has significantly strengthened my clinical knowledge and practical skills in cardiovascular and diabetes care. Through this opportunity, I have been able to enhance patient management practices and contribute more effectively to improving healthcare services in my community. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to impact and to make a meaningful contribution to cardiovascular outcomes in my country.”

Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected.

As part of their community awareness programs, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia has also launched children’s storybooks ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar free Jude’ to raise awareness about hypertension and diabetes respectively. Both books also encourage children and families to adopt healthier lifestyles because this is the most effective way to prevent hypertension, diabetes and many related complications.

Merck Foundation has also adapted storybooks to develop interesting animation films.

“Our storybooks and animation films are aimed at educating children and youth about the importance of healthy habits such as reducing salt and sugar intake, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals and avoiding smoking. Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow” emphasized Dr. Kelej.

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation movie here: https://apo-opa.co/4wKjs6n

Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4ztiZrN

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Hypertension, Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episodes here:

https://apo-opa.co/4zsgTZ0

https://apo-opa.co/4gaKP4p

“Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wHUvIJ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3TZxS4W), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4gHVcNb) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3U8VYdw)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/46fn1GG) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46cTYU7).

Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp
X: https://apo-opa.co/4qxe9FR
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/46cTYU7
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3U5ixQk
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4zriiPL
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4clxdRJ

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp), X (https://apo-opa.co/4qxe9FR), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46cTYU7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3U5ixQk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4zriiPL).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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