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Dr. Rasha Kelej et les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie appellent à l’action pour renforcer les capacités des soins de santé et des médias, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles en 2025 lors de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a organisé la 7ème édition du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI 2025 les 19 et 20 juin. Le sommet a été inauguré par le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, ainsi que par les Premières Dames de 14 pays d’Afrique et d’Asie, qui ont rejoint en tant qu’Invitées d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales.

  • S.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, La Première Dame de la République du Zimbabwe
  • S.E. Madame MARIE KHONE FAYE, La Première Dame de la République du Sénégal
  • S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, La Première Dame de la République Démocratique de São Tomé et Príncipe
  • S.E. Sénatrice OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, La Première Dame de la République Fédérale du Nigéria
  • S.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, La Première Dame de la République du Mozambique
  • S.E. Mme SAJIDHA MOHAMED, La Première Dame de la République des Maldives
  • S.E. Mme KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, La Première Dame de la République du Libéria
  • S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., La Première Dame de la République du Kenya
  • S.E. Mme LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, La Première Dame de la République du Ghana
  • S.E. Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, La Première Dame de la République de Gambie
  • S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, La Première Dame de la République Gabonaise
  • S.E. Madame BRIGITTE TOUADERA, La Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine
  • S.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, La Première Dame de la République du Cap-Vert
  • S.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, La Première Dame de la République d’Angola

CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej a souligné : « Je suis très fière de diriger les Initiatives des Premières Dames d’Afrique de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI, aux côtés de nos Invités d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales, les Premières Dames de 14 Pays Africains et Asiatiques, qui sont également les Ambassadrices de « La Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère ». Je souhaite une bienvenue particulière aux nouveaux membres qui rejoignent notre plateforme. Ensemble, nous avons réfléchi à l’impact de nos programmes et discuté de notre stratégie pour poursuivre et expliquer nos efforts visant à renforcer les capacités en matière de soins de santé et à sensibiliser sur un large éventail de questions sociales sensibles et cruciales telles que briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, mettre fin au mariage des enfants et des MGF, la lutte contre les violences basées sur le genre, l’autonomisation des femmes et des questions de santé importantes telles que la sensibilisation au diabète et à l’hypertension. » Regardez le discours de la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/3JDLY7h

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, a souligné : « J’ai été ravi d’entendre les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie parler des progrès remarquables qu’elles ont réalisés dans leurs pays grâce aux programmes de la Fondation Merck. Leurs réalisations jouent un rôle essentiel dans notre réussite. »

Regardez le discours du Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4oQS97k

À ce jour, la Fondation Merck a accordé plus de 2 400 bourses à de jeunes médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités critiques et mal desservies.

Lors de la Séance d’Inauguration du Luminaire, les Premières Dames ont prononcé leurs discours d’ouverture pour partager l’impact de leur partenariat avec la Fondation Merck.

S.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, La Première Dame de la République du Zimbabwe & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Depuis le début de notre partenariat en 2019, nous avons franchi des étapes remarquables. Plus de 130 bourses ont été accordées à nos jeunes médecins zimbabwéens dans des spécialités critiques et mal desservies telles que la Fertilité, Oncologie, Diabète, Cardiologie, Soins Néonatals, Psychiatrie, etc. De plus, grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda », nous avons également soutenu 40 jeunes filles en prenant en charge leurs frais de scolarité pour les aider à terminer leurs études. Nous n’avons jamais vu un programme d’un tel impact transformateur au Zimbabwe ; nous écrivons l’histoire. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Zimbabwe lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/49iB3dw

S.E. Madame MARIE KHONE FAYE, La Première Dame de la République du Sénégal & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « C’est un honneur de participer à la 7ème édition du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. En tant que nouvelle participante, je suis heureuse d’être parmi mes chères sœurs, Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, et véritablement inspirée par leurs réalisations à travers la Fondation Merck. Je suis fière d’annoncer que le Sénégal a reçu 25 bourses pour jeunes médecins en Oncologie, Diabète, Fertilité et Embryologie. Nous sommes impatients de renforcer ce partenariat et de le développer davantage au profit de notre peuple. »

Regardez le discours de la Première Dame du Sénégal lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4ojzxMd

S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, La Première Dame de la République Démocratique de São Tomé et Príncipe & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « En tant qu’Ambassadrice de la campagne ‘Plus Qu’une Mère’ de la Fondation Merck, je suis profondément reconnaissante pour l’impact des programmes de la Fondation Merck. Pour la première fois, nous mettons en œuvre de telles initiatives transformatrices dans notre pays, et leur impact positif est déjà visible. Dans le cadre du programme ‘Éduquer Linda,’ nous avons soutenu l’éducation de 40 filles brillantes mais défavorisées en prenant en charge leurs frais de scolarité, leur donnant ainsi la possibilité de terminer leurs études et de poursuivre leurs rêves. »

Regardez le discours de la Première Dame de São Tomé-et-Principe lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4o1zbcG

S.E. Sénatrice OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, La Première Dame de la République Fédérale du Nigéria & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « En tant que participante pour la première fois à cette plateforme remarquable, je suis honorée de rejoindre un groupe de leaders aussi distingués et fière d’être l’Ambassadrice de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck. La Fondation Merck a considérablement amélioré les soins aux patients au Nigéria en offrant 64 bourses à nos jeunes médecins nigérians dans des spécialités essentielles telles que la Fertilité, Oncologie et Diabète. Nous soutenons également l’éducation de 20 jeunes filles brillantes mais défavorisées grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda ». Je me réjouis de renforcer notre partenariat à long terme afin de renforcer les capacités des soins de santé et des médias, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles au Nigéria. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Nigéria lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4pga338

S.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, La Première Dame de la République du Mozambique & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « J’ai récemment assumé le rôle de Première Dame du Mozambique et je suis vraiment impressionnée par les programmes uniques et utiles de la Fondation Merck. C’est inspirant d’entendre de mes collègues Premières Dames parler des réalisations remarquables qu’elles ont réalisées dans leurs pays respectifs grâce à leur partenariat avec la Fondation Merck. Je suis fière d’annoncer que 18 bourses ont été accordées à de jeunes médecins au Mozambique dans les domaines du Diabète, Médecine Aiguë, Maladies Infectieuses et Gestion de la Douleur. Je suis ravie d’être l’Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère » et de susciter un changement significatif et durable dans notre pays et notre cher continent. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Mozambique lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/3JDMbY7

S.E. Mme SAJIDHA MOHAMED, La Première Dame de la République des Maldives & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « C’est la deuxième fois que je rejoins cette plateforme importante pour partager les progrès de notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck. Je suis heureuse de constater que le Chairman et la CEO s’est récemment rendu aux Maldives et que nous avons commencé à offrir des bourses aux médecins locaux en Fertilité et Embryologie, deux spécialités essentielles pour notre pays. Nous souhaitons nous développer dans de nouveaux domaines et renforcer notre système de santé. J’apprécie profondément les programmes efficaces de la Fondation Merck et son approche sincère et axée sur les résultats. Nous sommes fiers de ce partenariat et sommes impatients de le renforcer au profit de notre peuple. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame des Maldives lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/43AkXZ1

S.E. Mme KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, La Première Dame de la République du Libéria & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Ce fut une expérience enrichissante, j’ai pu apprendre de mes chères sœurs qui ont partagé leurs réussites et leurs programmes efficaces dans leurs pays. À ce jour, 51 bourses ont été accordées à nos médecins en Fertilité, Embryologie, Oncologie et Diabète. Je suis particulièrement fière que notre actuelle Ministre de Santé soit une Ancienne Boursière de la Fondation Merck, un exemple frappant de l’impact durable du programme. Il dote les médecins de compétences essentielles et leur permet de devenir des leaders dans le domaine de la santé. De plus, nous offrons des bourses pour soutenir l’éducation de 20 filles méritantes grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda ». Nous sommes fiers de continuer à écrire l’histoire de notre pays. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Libéria lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/3LK7R5k

S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., La Première Dame de la République du Kenya & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Je suis fière de notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck, grâce auquel nous avons octroyé 244 bourses à nos médecins kenyans, dont la moitié à des femmes, marquant ainsi une avancée majeure vers l’équité en matière de soins de santé et l’autonomisation des femmes.

J’apprécie également le programme « Éduquer Linda », grâce auquel 47 jeunes filles kenyanes défavorisées mais brillantes bénéficient d’un soutien complet pour terminer leurs études. Ensemble, nous façonnons un avenir plus sain et plus équitable pour le Kenya. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Kenya lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4nW2Qnx

S.E. Mme LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, La Première Dame de la République du Ghana & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a soulignée : « C’est ma première participation à cette conférence et je suis ravie d’entendre les histoires inspirantes et les réalisations de mes chères sœurs. Le Dr. Rasha Kelej m’a parlé en détail de leurs programmes très impressionnants. Je suis heureuse d’apprendre que 210 bourses ont été accordées à nos jeunes médecins ghanéens dans des spécialités essentielles. Je suis également fière de savoir que l’éducation de 20 de nos écolières méritantes mais défavorisées est soutenue par le programme « Éduquer Linda ». Je m’engage à soutenir davantage de filles talentueuses et me réjouis de travailler en étroite collaboration avec la Fondation Merck pour impulser un changement durable sur notre continent. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Ghana lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4a35oNk

S.E. Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, La Première Dame de la République de Gambie & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a soulignée : « Je suis très fière de notre partenariat qui a débuté en 2017. Nous avons franchi des étapes importantes ensemble depuis lors. Nous avons accordé 88 bourses à de jeunes médecins gambiens dans de nombreuses spécialités essentielles. Il s’agit d’un chiffre très élevé pour notre pays et cela a contribué de manière significative à transformer notre paysage de soins aux patients. Ensemble, nous avons également soutenu l’éducation de 40 écolières dans le cadre du programme « Éduquer Linda », leur donnant l’opportunité de façonner un avenir meilleur et plus sûr pour elles-mêmes, leurs familles et leurs communautés. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame de Gambie lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4iddPYM

S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, La Première Dame de la République Gabonaise & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Je suis honorée de faire partie de cette prestigieuse plateforme. Bien que notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck n’ait débuté que l’année dernière, il porte déjà ses fruits. Trois médecins gabonais ont reçu des bourses en Oncologie et en Soins du Diabète, et je me réjouis de le développer avec notre Ministère de la Santé. Je suis également fière du programme « Éduquer Linda », grâce auquel nous soutenons l’éducation de 20 écolières brillantes mais défavorisées, et nous nous engageons à en faire bénéficier davantage. Je suis convaincue que notre partenariat à long terme produira un impact et des résultats encore plus importants. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Gabon lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/49WVuNk

S.E. Madame BRIGITTE TOUADERA, La Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Je suis fière d’être l’une des premiers membres de cette plateforme influente. Depuis 2015, notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck soutient le renforcement des capacités en matière de soins de santé grâce à des bourses d’études pour nos médecins en Oncologie et Diabète. Ensemble, nous avons lancé le programme « Empowering Berna » pour aider les femmes infertiles et sans enfants à créer de petits commerces et à devenir financièrement indépendantes. Dans le cadre du programme « Éduquer Linda », nous offrons des bourses à 40 écolières défavorisées de notre pays. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/48hwxed

S.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, La Première Dame de la République du Cap-Vert & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Je suis fière d’annoncer que nous avons inscrit nos médecins locaux à une formation spécialisée en Oncologie et Fertilité, une étape importante dans le renforcement de notre système de santé. Grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda », nous avons également accordé des bourses à 42 écolières, les aidant à terminer leurs études et à atteindre leur plein potentiel. Je me réjouis de notre impact continu : transformer des vies et bâtir un avenir plus sain et plus radieux. »

Regardez le discours de la Première Dame du Cap-Vert lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/48jcgF5

S.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, La Première Dame de la République d’Angola & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère a déclarée : « Je suis vraiment impressionnée par l’impact significatif des programmes de la Fondation Merck. Ensemble, nous nous engageons à créer un impact durable en Angola en soutenant l’éducation des filles, en mettant fin à la violence sexiste et au mariage des enfants, et en renforçant les capacités des soins de santé et des médias pour un avenir meilleur. »

Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame d’Angola lors du programme inaugural de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/4o4scQq

La 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck est diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck et de la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck :

@ Merck Foundation : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo).

@ Rasha Kelej : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/48i007U), X (https://apo-opa.co/48hIBfs), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3LHc9dP), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pzllzJ).

Lien vers la Session Inaugurale du Panel de Haut Niveau des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/47LikWX

La Fondation Merck transforme le paysage des soins aux patients et écrit l’histoire avec ses partenaires en Afrique, en Asie et au-delà, à travers :

  • Plus de 2400 Bourses offertes par la Fondation Merck pour les médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies. 

La Fondation Merck crée également un changement de culture et brise le silence sur un large éventail de problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique et dans les communautés mal desservies grâce à :

  • Plus de 3700 Journalistes de plus de 35 pays formés pour mieux sensibiliser sur les différents problèmes sociaux et sanitaires.
  • 8 Prix Différents lancés chaque année pour la meilleure couverture médiatique, les créateurs de mode, les films et les chansons.
  • Environ 30 chansons pour aborder les problèmes sanitaires et sociaux par des chanteurs locaux à travers l’Afrique.
  • 9 livres de contes pour enfants en quatre langues – Anglais, Français, Portugais, et Swahili.
  • 6 Films d’Animation de Sensibilisation en cinq langues : Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili pour sensibiliser sur la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, la prévention et la détection précoce du diabète, de l’hypertension et du cancer.
  • Programme Télévisé Panafricain « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » abordant les problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique à travers la communauté « Mode et L’Art avec un But ».
  • Plus de 1 040 bourses d’études accordées chaque année à des écolières africaines très brillantes mais défavorisées de 18 pays, pour leur permettre d’atteindre leur plein potentiel.
  • 15 chaînes de réseaux sociaux avec plus de 8.5 millions de d’abonnés.

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix : 
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj
X : https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5
Website : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/49nFxj9

À propos de la Fondation Merck : 
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5). 

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités. 

Media files

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Dra. Rasha Kelej e Primeiras-Damas da África e Ásia pedem acção para fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e mídia, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e apoiar a educação de meninas durante a iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck em 2025 – MFFLI

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Merck Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), O braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha realizou a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025, nos dias 19 e 20 de junho. A cúpula foi inaugurada pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, e pela Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck, juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas de 14 países africanos e asiáticos, que participaram como Convidadas de Honra e Palestrantes Principais.

  • S. EXª. Amai Drª AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, Primeira-Dama da República do Zimbabwe
  • S. EXª. Senhora MARIE KHONE FAYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Senegal
  • S. EXª. Srª. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
  • S. EXª. Senadora OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, Primeira-Dama da República Federal da Nigéria
  • S. EXª. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, Primeira-Dama da República de Moçambique
  • S. EXª. Srª. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas
  • S. EXª. Srª. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Primeira-Dama da República da Libéria
  • S. EXª. Srª. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia
  • S. EXª. Srª. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana
  • S. EXª. Srª. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Primeira-Dama da República da Gâmbia
  • S. EXª. Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa
  • S. EXª. Senhora BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Primeira-Dama da República Centro-Africana
  • S. EXª. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, Primeira-Dama da República de Cabo Verde
  • S. EXª. Drª ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República de Angola

A CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora, Drª Rasha Kelej enfatizou, Tenho muito orgulho de conduzir a Cúpula da Iniciativas das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck África – MFFLI, juntamente com as nossas Convidadas de Honra e Palestrantes Principais, as Primeiras Damas de 14 países africanos e asiáticos, que também são Embaixadoras da “Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe”. Dou as boas-vindas especiais às novas integrantes da nossa plataforma. Juntos, reflectimos sobre o impacto dos nossos programas e discutimos a nossa estratégia para continuar e explicar os nossos esforços para desenvolver a capacidade de atendimento à saúde e aumentar a conscientização sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais sensíveis e críticas, como o Combate ao Estigma da Infertilidade, o Apoio à Educação de Meninas, o Fim do Casamento Infantil e da MGF, o Combate à Violência Baseada no Género, o Empoderamento Feminino e questões importantes de saúde, como a Conscientização sobre Diabetes e Hipertensão.” Assista ao discurso da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/3JDLY7h

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck enfatizou “Fiquei feliz em ouvir as Primeiras-Damas da África e da Ásia sobre o progresso notável que alcançaram nos seus países por meio dos programas da Fundação Merck. As suas conquistas desempenham um papel vital na nossa jornada de sucesso.”

Assista ao discurso do Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4oQS97k

A Fundação Merck concedeu até hoje, mais de 2.400 bolsas de estudo para jovens médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades críticas e carentes.

Durante a sessão de inauguração da Luminária, as Primeiras-Damas fizeram os seus discursos principais para compartilhar o impacto da sua jornada de parceria com a Fundação Merck.

S. EXª. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, Primeira-Dama da República do Zimbabwe & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe declarou: “Desde o início da nossa parceria em 2019, alcançamos os marcos notáveis. Mais de 130 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas aos nossos jovens médicos zimbabuanos em especialidades críticas e carentes, como Fertilidade, Oncologia, Diabetes, Cardiologia, Cuidados Neonatais, Psiquiatria e outras. Além disso, por meio do programa ‘Educar Linda’, também apoiamos 40 meninas, cobrindo as suas mensalidades para ajudá-las a concluir os seus estudos. Nunca antes testemunhamos um programa com um impacto tão transformador no Zimbabwe; estamos a fazer história.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama do Zimbabwe durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/49iB3dw

S. EXª. Senhora MARIE KHONE FAYE, Primeira-Dama da República Senegal & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “É uma honra participar da 7ª Edição da Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck. Como participante pela primeira vez, estou feliz por estar entre minhas queridas irmãs — Primeiras-Damas da África e da Ásia — e verdadeiramente inspirada por suas conquistas por meio da Fundação Merck. Tenho orgulho de compartilhar que o Senegal recebeu 25 bolsas de estudo para jovens médicos em Oncologia, Diabetes, Fertilidade e Embriologia. Estamos ansiosos para fortalecer esta parceria e ansiosos para expandir ainda mais em benefício do nosso povo.”

Assista ao discurso da Primeira-Dama do Senegal durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4ojzxMd

S. EXª. Srª. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “Como Embaixadora da campanha Mais do Que uma Mãe da Fundação Merck, sou verdadeiramente grata pelos programas impactantes da Fundação Merck. Pela primeira vez, estamos implementando iniciativas transformadoras como essa no nosso país, e o seu impacto positivo já é visível. No âmbito do programa Educar Linda, apoiamos a educação de 40 meninas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, cobrindo as suas mensalidades, dando-lhes a oportunidade de concluir os seus estudos e perseguir os seus sonhos.”

Assista aqui ao discurso da Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe durante o programa inaugural da Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/4o1zbcG

S. EXª. Senadora OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, Primeira-Dama da República Federal da Nigéria & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “Como participante pela primeira vez desta plataforma extraordinária, sinto-me honrada por me juntar a um grupo tão distinto de líderes e orgulhosa de servir como Embaixadora da campanha Mais Que uma Mãe da Fundação Merck. A Fundação Merck melhorou significativamente o atendimento aos pacientes na Nigéria, fornecendo 64 bolsas de estudo para os nossos jovens médicos nigerianos em especialidades críticas como Fertilidade, Oncologia e Diabetes. Também estamos apoiando a educação de 20 meninas de alto desempenho, mas carentes, por meio do programa Educando Linda. Estou ansiosa para fortalecer nossa parceria de longo prazo para desenvolver a capacidade de saúde e mídia, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e apoiar a educação de meninas na Nigéria.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da Nigéria durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4pga338

S. EXª. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, Primeira-Dama da República de Moçambique & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe partilhou: “Recentemente assumi o cargo de Primeira-Dama de Moçambique e estou verdadeiramente impressionada com os programas únicos e úteis da Fundação Merck. É inspirador ouvir em primeira mão as minhas colegas Primeiras-Damas sobre as conquistas notáveis que alcançaram nos seus respectivos países através da sua parceria com a Fundação Merck. Tenho orgulho em partilhar que foram atribuídas 18 bolsas de estudo a jovens médicos em Moçambique nas áreas de Diabetes, Medicina Intensiva, Doenças Infecciosas e Gestão da Dor. Estou entusiasmada por ser a Embaixadora da “Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe” e impulsionar mudanças significativas e duradouras no nosso país e no nosso amado continente.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama de Moçambique durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/3JDMbY7

S. EXª. Srª. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “Esta é a minha segunda vez nesta plataforma significativa para compartilhar o progresso da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck. Tenho o prazer de informar que o Presidente e CEO visitou recentemente as Maldivas e começamos a oferecer bolsas de estudo para médicos locais em Fertilidade e Embriologia — duas especialidades vitais para o nosso país. O nosso objectivo é expandir para mais áreas, fortalecendo o nosso sistema de saúde. Eu realmente valorizo os programas impactantes da Fundação Merck e a sua abordagem sincera e voltada para resultados. Temos orgulho desta parceria e esperamos aprofundá-la em benefício de nossos colaboradores.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama das Maldivas durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/43AkXZ1

S. EXª. Srª. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Primeira-Dama da República da Libéria & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe disse: “Foi uma experiência enriquecedora aprender com as minhas queridas irmãs enquanto elas compartilhavam histórias de sucesso e programas impactantes nos seus países. Até o momento, 51 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas aos nossos médicos em Fertilidade, Embriologia, Oncologia e Diabetes. Tenho um orgulho especial de que a nossa actual Ministra da Saúde seja ex-aluna da Fundação Merck — um exemplo poderoso do impacto duradouro do programa. Ele equipa os médicos com habilidades vitais e os capacita a se tornarem líderes em saúde. Além disso, estamos a oferecer bolsas de estudo para apoiar a educação de 20 meninas merecedoras por meio do programa Educar Linda. Temos orgulho de continuar a fazer história no nosso país.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da Libéria durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/3LK7R5k

S. EXª. Srª. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “Tenho orgulho da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck, por meio da qual fornecemos 244 bolsas de estudo para os nossos médicos quenianos — metade delas concedidas a mulheres, marcando um importante passo em direcção à equidade na saúde e ao empoderamento feminino.

Também valorizo o programa ‘Educar Linda’, por meio do qual 47 meninas quenianas carentes, mas de alto desempenho, estão a receber total apoio para concluir os seus estudos. Juntos, estamos a construir um futuro mais saudável e equitativo para o Quénia.

”Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama do Quénia durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4nW2Qnx

S. EXª. Srª. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe enfatizou: “Esta é a minha primeira vez nesta conferência e estou emocionada em ouvir as histórias inspiradoras e as conquistas das minhas queridas irmãs. A Dra. Rasha Kelej compartilhou comigo em detalhes sobre os seus programas impressionantes. Fico feliz em saber que 210 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas aos nossos jovens médicos ganenses em especialidades críticas. Também me orgulho de saber que a educação de 20 das nossas estudantes merecedoras, mas carentes, está sendo apoiada pelo programa Educando Linda. Estou comprometida em apoiar mais meninas talentosas e ansiosa para trabalhar em estreita colaboração com a Fundação Merck para impulsionar mudanças duradouras em nosso continente.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama do Gana durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação– MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4a35oNk

S. EXª. Srª. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Primeira-Dama da República da Gâmbia & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe enfatizou: “Estou muito orgulhosa da nossa parceria, que começou em 2017. Alcançamos marcos significativos juntos desde então. Fornecemos 88 bolsas de estudo para jovens médicos gambianos em diversas especialidades críticas. Este é um número muito alto para o nosso país e contribuiu significativamente para transformar o nosso cenário de atendimento ao paciente. Juntos, também apoiamos a educação de 40 alunas como parte do programa Educar Linda, dando a elas a oportunidade de construir um futuro mais brilhante e seguro para si mesmas, das suas famílias e das suas comunidades.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da Gâmbia durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação– MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4iddPYM

S. EXª. Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe compartilhou: “Sinto-me honrada por fazer parte desta plataforma tão estimada. Embora a nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck tenha começado apenas no ano passado, ela já está a causar impacto. Três médicos do Gabão receberam bolsas de estudo em Oncologia e Diabetes, e estou ansiosa para expandir isso junto com o Ministério da Saúde. Também me orgulho do Programa Educar Linda, por meio do qual apoiamos a educação de 20 alunas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, e estamos comprometidas em beneficiar mais pessoas. Estou confiante de que a nossa parceria de longo prazo levará a um impacto e resultados ainda maiores.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação– MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/49WVuNk

S. EXª. Senhora BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Primeira-Dama da República Centro Africana & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe enfatizou: “Tenho orgulho de ser um dos primeiros membros desta plataforma impactante. Desde 2015, nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck apoia o desenvolvimento de capacidades na área da saúde por meio de bolsas de estudo para nossos médicos em Oncologia e Diabetes. Juntos, lançamos o programa ‘Empoderando Berna’ para ajudar mulheres inférteis e sem filhos a abrir pequenos negócios e se tornarem financeiramente independentes. No âmbito do programa ‘Educando Linda’, estamos oferecendo bolsas de estudo a 40 estudantes carentes do nosso país.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da República Centro-Africana durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/48hwxed

S. EXª. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, Primeira-Dama da República De Cabo Verde & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe disse: “Tenho orgulho de compartilhar que inscrevemos os nossos médicos locais para treinamento especializado em Oncologia e Fertilidade, um marco no fortalecimento do nosso sistema de saúde. Por meio do Programa Educar Linda, também oferecemos bolsas de estudo a 42 estudantes, ajudando-as a concluir os seus estudos e a atingir o seu potencial máximo. Aguardo ansiosamente o nosso impacto contínuo — transformando vidas e construindo um futuro mais saudável e brilhante.

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama de Cabo Verde durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação– MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/48jcgF5

S. EXª. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República dAngola & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe Partilhou: “Estou verdadeiramente impressionada com o impacto significativo dos programas da Fundação Merck. Juntos, estamos comprometidos em construir um impacto duradouro em Angola, apoiando a educação de meninas, acabando com a violência do género e o casamento infantil, e fortalecendo a capacidade dos serviços de saúde e da mídia para um futuro melhor.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama de Angola durante o programa inaugural da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação– MFFLI 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4o4scQq

A 7ª Edição da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck é transmitida ao vivo nas redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora, Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck:

@ Fundação Merck: (https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo).

@ Rasha Kelej:  Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/48i007U), X (https://apo-opa.co/48hIBfs), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3LHc9dP), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pzllzJ).

Link para da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/47LikWX

A Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário do atendimento ao paciente e a fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e outros lugares, por meio de:

  • Mais de 2.400 bolsas de estudo oferecidas pela Fundação Merck para profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.

A Fundação Merck também está a criar uma mudança cultural e a quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes por meio de:

  • Mais de 3.700 representantes da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados pela Fundação Merck para conscientizar sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde.
  • 8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para melhor cobertura da mídia, do cinema, da canção e da moda.
  • Cerca de 30 canções que abordam questões de saúde e sociais, interpretadas por cantores locais de toda a África.
  • 9 livros de histórias infantis em quatro línguas: inglês, francês, português e swahíli.
  • 6 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e swahíli, para aumentar a conscientização sobre o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas e a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes, da hipertensão e do cancro.
  • Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck”, que aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África por meio da comunidade “Moda e Arte com Propósito”.
  • Mais de 1040 bolsas de estudo concedidas anualmente a meninas africanas de alto desempenho, mas de baixa renda, de 18 países, para empoderá-las a atingir o seu pleno potencial.
  • 15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8,5 milhões de seguidores.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj
X: https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/49nFxj9

Sobre a Fundação Merck: 
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e aprimorar as suas vidas atravez da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente na melhoria do acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, no desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e na investigação científica, no empoderamento das raparigas na educação e no empoderamento de pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática) com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5). 

A Fundação Merck está dedicada a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para comunidades necessitadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a Fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Ela não se envolve ou apoia nenhuma actividade política, eleições ou regimes, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços. 

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First Consultative Session to Prepare National Human Rights Action Plan Convenes in Doha

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 16, 2025

The first consultative session to prepare the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) convened in Doha Sunday.

The session was attended by HE President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, HE Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, and HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah.

Also attending were several officials and representatives of government agencies and national institutions, as well as a top tier of experts and representatives of civil society.

The session is intended to weigh in on the key themes of this action plan, identify challenges and gaps, and listen to the attendees’ views and feedback that would literally help prepare a holistic plan that reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

Overall, the session features bountiful deliberations that highlight the priorities for the upcoming period within the national framework for human rights.

In her opening remarks, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of the national committee for preparing the National Human Rights Action Plan Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad welcomed the participants, affirming that their participation underscores the State of Qatar’s enduring commitment to the values of human dignity, justice, equality, and the rule of law, values that essentially shape the essence of Islamic Sharia, Qatar’s Permanent Constitution, and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030).

The preparation of this plan is neither a procedural action nor a tradition the world simply intends to pursue, but rather a national vision that expresses the collective will to bolster the system of rights and freedoms and the principles that place humans at the core of development and its aims, HE Al Misnad underscored.

She added that from this position the plan, which needs invaluable contributions in terms of preparation and execution, represents a practical road map that primarily aims to transform values into legislation and policies and principles into measurable realistic practices, and at the end of the day human rights become a guiding approach in planning and crafting public policies in a variety of fields.

The move, she adds, comes in the wake of accelerating challenges the world is witnessing today in terms of climate change and digital transformation, as well as the resulting complexities that affect people’s lives and daily affairs.

HE Al Misnad noted the Doha Political Declaration issued at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which underscores the inextricable link between achieving social justice and reinforcing respect for human rights.

The declaration, she said, calls for a rights based approach to shaping and advancing social policies, upholding the rule of law and good governance, ensuring unencumbered access to justice, and building effective institutions. It also emphasizes broadening community participation for all stakeholders so that development remains human centered, affirming that social protection is a right, not a largesse.

This plan represents an opportunity to translate the substance of the Declaration at the national level and to embody the nation’s commitment to social justice and the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs anchored in human dignity, justice, and solidarity both domestically and within the international community, she points out.

Al Misnad further noted that the committee responsible for drafting this plan is laser focused on ensuring that the drafting process is grounded in five core principles, chiefly the universality, indivisibility, complementarity, and interdependence of human rights.

This is literally the approach that binds their promotion, protection, and fulfillment to the shared religious, human, constitutional, and international values that underpin them, and to transparency and openness in sharing information and assessing the current landscape with all its achievements and challenges, and to broad based partnership and community participation through the engagement of state institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia, the media, and all stakeholders, reaffirming the principle of leaving no one behind, she outlines.

Al Misnad stressed that institutional integration is essential to ensure the effective execution of the agreed upon actions, supported by continuous follow up and periodic evaluation to refine performance and safeguard the sustainability of the gains that have been achieved.

In addition, Her Excellency expressed her profound belief that these five principles serve as a springboard for crafting a realistic, actionable, and impact sustained National Plan, one that stands in lockstep with QNV2030, which places the human being at the core of development, and with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which foregrounds good governance, human empowerment, and the preservation of social justice within a balanced national framework.

The aspiration is for this plan to emerge as a unifying document that captures the shared vision of both the nation and society and becomes a national role model rooted in rights based planning, Her Excellency noted.

She elaborated that the success of these consultative sessions hinges on engagement, constructive criticism, unencumbered reflections, inspiring ideas, and insightful proposals. This collective input, she highlights, will flip the script from mere textual commitments to a results driven plan whose impact is concrete in people’s lives, not confined to rhetoric.

Al Misnad extended her profound gratitude to all partners from ministries, governmental and national bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their support and their engagement that is capped by success.

Her Excellency further extended her profound gratitude to global partners for their steadfast engagement and for lending depth to this national endeavor, affirming that she looks forward to the outcomes of their constructive dialogue that confidently redound to the benefit of the cherished nation and valued society.

Through collective effort, human rights are firmly anchored within the nation and the future of the coming generations is safeguarded, she stated.

The assigned committee underscored that convening this session forms part of a participatory approach that reinforces transparency and ensures the broad inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in shaping the plan.

This aligns with the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, QNV2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and international human rights standards.

The committee noted that the session reconvenes Monday to continue discussions on the remaining pillars of this plan. It adds that additional thematic and forward looking sessions are held to guarantee the engagement of all segments of society in the formulation process, a step intended to ensure that no one is left behind and that the effort is capped by success in every conceivable way.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej & First Ladies of Africa & Asia call for action to Build Healthcare and Media capacity, Break Infertility Stigma & Support Girl Education during 2025 Merck Foundation First Ladies initiative – MFFLI

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

  • H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe
  • H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
  • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
  • H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
  • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
  • H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
  • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
  • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
  • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
  • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
  • H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola

Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “I am very proud to conduct Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiatives –MFFLI, together with our Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of 14 African and Asian Countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. I extend a special welcome to the new members joining our platform. Together we reflected on the impact of our programs and discussed our strategy to continue and explant our efforts to build healthcare capacity and raise awareness on a wide range of sensitive and critical social issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Stopping GBV, Women Empowerment, and important health issues like Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.” Watch the speech of Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3JDLY7h

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized “I was pleased to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the remarkable progress they have achieved in their countries through Merck Foundation programs. Their achievements play a vital role in our journey of success.”

Watch the speech of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4oQS97k

Merck Foundation has provided till today, more than 2400 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.

During the Inauguration Session of the Luminary, the First Ladies delivered their keynote speeches to share the impact of their partnership journey with Merck Foundation.

H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother expressed, “Since our partnership began in 2019, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones. Over 130 scholarships have been provided for our young Zimbabwean doctors in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Oncology, Diabetes, Cardiology, Neonatal Care, Psychiatry, and more. Moreover, through the ‘Educating Linda’ program, we’ve also supported 40 girls by covering their tuition fees to help them complete their education. We have never before witnessed a program of such transformative impact in Zimbabwe, we are making history.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Zimbabwe during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/49iB3dw

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “It is an honor to join the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. As a first-time participant, I’m happy to be among my dear sisters—First Ladies of Africa and Asia—and truly inspired by their achievements through Merck Foundation. I’m proud to share that Senegal has received 25 scholarships for young doctors in Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology. We look forward to strengthening this partnership, and eager to scale up further for the benefit of our people.”

Watch the speech of The First Lady of Senegal during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4ojzxMd

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “As the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign, I’m truly grateful for the impactful programs of Merck Foundation. For the first time, we are implementing such transformative initiatives in our country, and their positive impact is already visible. Under the Educating Linda program, we’ve supported the education of 40 high performing but underprivileged girls by covering their tuition fees, giving them the opportunity to complete their education and pursue their dreams.”

Watch the speech of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4o1zbcG

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “As a first-time participant in this remarkable platform, I’m honored to join such a distinguished group of leaders and proud to serve as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign. Merck Foundation has significantly improved patient care in Nigeria by providing 64 scholarships for our young Nigerian doctors in critical specialties like Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes. We are also supporting the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged girls through the Educating Linda program. I look forward to strengthening our long-term partnership to build healthcare and media capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education in Nigeria.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Nigeria during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4pga338

H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I recently assumed the role of First Lady of Mozambique, and I am truly impressed by the unique and useful programs of the Merck Foundation. It is inspiring to hear firsthand from my fellow First Ladies about the remarkable achievements they have realized in their respective countries through their partnership with Merck Foundation. I am proud to share that 18 scholarships have been provided for young doctors in Mozambique in Diabetes, Acute Medicine, Infectious diseases, and Pain Management. I am excited to be the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” and drive meaningful and lasting change across our country and beloved continent.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Mozambique during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3JDMbY7

H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “This is my second time joining this meaningful platform to share the progress of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I’m pleased to note that the Chairman and CEO recently visited the Maldives, and we have started providing scholarships to local doctors in Fertility and Embryology—two vital specialties for our country. We aim to expand into more fields, strengthening our healthcare system. I truly value Merck Foundation’s impactful programs and their sincere, results-driven approach. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to deepening it for the benefit of our people.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Maldives during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/43AkXZ1

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother said, “It was an enriching experience, learning from my dear sisters as they shared success stories and impactful programs in their countries. To date, 51 scholarships have been provided for our doctors in Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes. I’m especially proud that our current Minister of Health is a Merck Foundation alumnus—a powerful example of the program’s lasting impact. It equips doctors with vital skills and empowers them to become healthcare leaders. Additionally, we are providing scholarship to support the education of 20 deserving girls through the Educating Linda program. We are proud to keep making history in our country.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Liberia during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3LK7R5k

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I am proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we have provided 244 scholarships for our Kenyan doctors—half of them awarded to women, marking a strong step toward healthcare equity and women empowerment.

I also value the ‘Educating Linda’ program, through which 47 underprivileged but high-performing Kenyan girls are receiving full support to complete their education. Together, we are shaping a healthier and more equitable future for Kenya.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Kenya during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4nW2Qnx

H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized, “This is my first time attending this conference, and I am thrilled to hear the inspiring stories and achievements of my dear sisters. Dr. Rasha Kelej shared with me in detail about their very impressive programs. I am happy to learn that 210 scholarships have been provided for our young Ghanaian doctors in critical specialties. I am also proud to know that education of 20 of our deserving but underprivileged schoolgirls is being supported through the Educating Linda program. I am committed to supporting more talented girls and look forward to working closely with Merck Foundation to drive lasting change across our continent.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Ghana during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4a35oNk

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership that began in 2017, we have achieved significant milestones together since then. We have provided 88 scholarships for young Gambian doctors in many critical specialties. This is a very high number for our country and has significantly contributed to transform our patientcare landscape. Together, we have also supported the education of 40 schoolgirls as a part of Educating Linda program, giving them an opportunity to shape a brighter and more secure future for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of The Gambia during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4iddPYM

H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I am honored to be part of this esteemed platform. Though our partnership with Merck Foundation began only last year, it is already making an impact. Three doctors from Gabon have received scholarships in Oncology and Diabetes Care, and I look forward to scaling it up together with our Ministry of Health. I am also proud of the Educating Linda Program, through which we are supporting the education of 20 schoolgirls who are high0perfoming yet under-privileged, and we are committed to benefit more. I am confident that our long-term partnership will lead to even greater impact and outcomes.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Gabonese during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/49WVuNk

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized “I am proud to be one of the earliest members of this impactful platform. Since 2015, our partnership with Merck Foundation has supported healthcare capacity building through scholarships for our doctors in  Oncology and Diabetes. Together, we launched the ‘Empowering Berna’ program to help infertile and childless women start small businesses and become financially independent. Under the ‘Educating Linda’ program, we are providing scholarships to 40 underprivileged schoolgirls from our country.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Republic of Central African Republic during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/48hwxed

H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother said, “I’m proud to share that we’ve enrolled our local doctors for specialized training in Oncology and Fertility, a milestone in strengthening our healthcare system. Through the Educating Linda Program, we’ve also provided scholarships to 42 schoolgirls, helping them complete their education and help them reach their full potential. I look forward to our continued impact — transforming lives and building a healthier, brighter future.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Cabo Verde during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/48jcgF5

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I am truly impressed by the significant impact of Merck Foundation’s programs. Together we are committed to building lasting impact in Angola by supporting girls’ education, ending gender-based violence and child marriage, and strengthening healthcare and media capacity for a better future.”

Watch the video of The First Lady of Angola during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation first Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4o4scQq

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/48i007U), X (https://apo-opa.co/48hIBfs), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3LHc9dP), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pzllzJ).

Link to the Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/47LikWX

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2400+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  •  3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to raise awareness about different social and health issues
  •  8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, film, song and fashion
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese and Swahili
  • 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 1040+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

– 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/4peVZqj
X: https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49nFxj9

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/4peVZqj), X (https://apo-opa.co/43yi2jz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3XzicUi), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oLgoUo), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/43CR4HE) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Iad5). 

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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World marks cervical cancer elimination day as countries accelerate action

Source: APO – Report:

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Today marks the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day – mandated by the World Health Assembly – a historic milestone in global efforts to end a preventable cancer. This day of action builds on powerful momentum, with countries and partners uniting to launch ambitious vaccination campaigns, expand screening and treatment services, and accelerate progress toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

The annual commemoration highlights a critical opportunity: cervical cancer – the fourth most common cancer in women – claims over 350 000 lives each year, yet it is a disease that we have the tools to eliminate.

The Day supports the core pillars of the WHO’s global elimination strategy: vaccinating 90% of girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of those with pre-cancer and invasive cancer. It serves as a critical platform to strengthen advocacy, accelerate service delivery, and mobilize resources to ensure every woman and girl has access to life-saving care.

“In 2018, I was proud to launch the global call to action on cervical cancer elimination, and I’m even prouder now to see what was once a distant dream becoming a reality,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “More and more countries are scaling up HPV vaccination, improving screening, and expanding treatment, bringing us closer to a future free of cervical cancer.”

This momentum is underscored by the announcement from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners, who estimate that the ambitious goal to reach 86 million girls by the end of 2025 has been met, reflecting a broader wave of country action to advance national elimination plans and expand access to screening and treatment.

Countries are marking World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day with a wave of actions on multiple fronts. Vaccination is scaling up through campaigns in Sierra Leone and Liberia targeting over 1.5 million girls. Screening efforts are also intensifying, with Sierra Leone planning a mass campaign across all 16 districts, followed by an awareness walk. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, advocacy is taking center stage as survivors lead a week-long promotion of self-sampling HPV testing, a key innovation for expanding screening access.

This past year has seen significant country-level action, providing a powerful foundation for the new annual commemoration.

  • Angola: Launched an HPV vaccination campaign in October for girls aged 9–12 years.
  • China: Added HPV vaccine into its national immunization programme, scaling up vaccination to all 13-year-old girls.
  • Cuba: Launched HPV vaccination in October 2025 for all girls in Grade 4.
  • Ghana: Held a nationwide vaccination campaign in October 2025 for girls aged 9–14 years, aiming to reach 2.4 million girls.
  • Indonesia: Hosted the Second Global Forum for Cervical Cancer Elimination and reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 through bold national targets (90-75-90), a strong partnership ecosystem, and substantial investments in vaccination, screening, and treatment under its National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2023–2030.
  • Nepal: Ran a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 10–14 years in February 2025, to mark the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the national immunization schedule.
  • Nigeria: Launched a nationwide cervical cancer elimination effort, with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu committing US$ 700 000 through the ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’. The investment further affirms Nigeria’s leadership and support for WHO’s elimination targets, reflected also in its co-leadership of the resolution establishing World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
  • Pakistan: Launched the national HPV vaccine introduction through a campaign targeting girls aged 9–14, reaching over 9 million girls in what is to date the largest single HPV campaign any country has every conducted.
  • Rwanda: Through Mission 2027, its Accelerated Plan for Elimination, the country is rapidly expanding nationwide screening and treatment services to meet the 90-70-90 targets by 2027, three years ahead of the global goal.
  • Spain: Through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Spain’s three-year investment is supporting the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative to strengthen access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment in countries of the WHO African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions.
  • South Africa: Placed cervical cancer elimination on the global stage as part of its G20 health agenda, reaffirming the country’s steadfast support for the WHO Global Strategy. The country also co-led the resolution establishing World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and is finalizing its National Strategic Framework for Cervical Cancer Elimination, to be launched later this year.
  • Tajikistan: Launched HPV vaccination for all girls aged 10–14 years in its routine immunization schedule from October 2025.
  • Tunisia: Introduced the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization programme for 12-year-old girls in April 2025.
  • Across WHO Western Pacific Region, Unitaid and WHO have expanded their partnership to strengthen cervical cancer prevention and treatment programmes, supporting equitable access to screening and treatment services for precancer.

Countries worldwide are accelerating efforts to expand access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment, advancing toward the 90-70-90 targets of the Global Strategy.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

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South Africa to host the G20 Social Summit

Source: APO – Report:

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South Africa will host the G20 Social Summit from 18 – 20 November 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.

Under the overarching theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” South Africa’s G20 Presidency reflects the nation’s strategic priorities of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and the building of a capable, ethical, and developmental State.

In keeping with the G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, the G20 Social Summit will convene formal and informal networks, including youth movements, women’s organisations, faith-based groups, organisations of persons with disabilities, community forums, and other grassroots structures. 

Together, they will engage on global issues that directly impact people’s daily lives.

Building on Brazil’s innovative introduction of the G20 Social Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to continuing and expanding this people-centred platform during South Africa’s Presidency.

The G20 Social Summit seeks to elevate issues of social development, equity, and inclusion to the same level of priority as macroeconomic and financial matters.

The G20 Social Summit will bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders including governments, civil society, labour, youth, women, persons with disabilities, philanthropy, and grassroots organisations ensuring that the lived experiences of ordinary people shape the outcomes of the G20 process.

To lead the organisation and facilitation of the G20 Social Summit, President Ramaphosa appointed Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and former Deputy President, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, as Co-Convenors, representing both Government and civil society sectors.

Their mandate included overseeing stakeholder engagement and ensuring alignment between the Social Summit and the broader G20 priorities.

Designed as an inclusive and participatory platform, the Summit will amplify the voices of civil society, grassroots organisations, and communities from across the world. It aims to foster global solidarity, advance inclusive development, and deliver a G20 Social Declaration that captures the aspirations and lived realities of citizens particularly the most vulnerable.

This initiative provides South Africa with a unique opportunity to foreground the African Agenda and advance the priorities of the Global South within the world’s premier forum for international economic cooperation.

There are 13 official G20 Engagement Groups that serve as vital channels for diverse sectors to contribute to the G20’s policy and decision-making processes. 

Throughout the year, these groups met to develop proposals and communiqués that inform G20 outcomes, ensuring that voices beyond government are meaningfully heard and considered.

The 13 official G20 Engagement Groups are:

– W20 (Women)
– L20 (Labour)
– B20 (Business)
– T20 (Think Tanks)
– C20 (Civil Society)
– SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institutions)
– Y20 (Youth)
– U20 (Urban)
– S20 (Science)
– Startup20
– J20 (Judiciary/Supreme Courts)
– O20 (Ocean)
– P20 (Parliament)
– G20 EMPOWER Alliance

Each of these engagement groups represents a distinct constituency from business and labour to youth, women, academia, and civil society bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to enrich the G20 agenda and strengthen global cooperation.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will address the Opening Ceremony and people’s conversations on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The Ceremony will commence after mid-day at 13h00 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province. 

On Day 2, Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the G20 Social Summit Engagement Groups will break away into thematic sessions on:

– Digital Inclusion and Equitable Transformation;
– Inclusive Climate Justice;
– A Just Transition, and Energy Democracy;
– Digital Inclusion and Equitable Transformation;
– Trade, Resilience & Inclusive Value Chains;
– Inclusive Climate Justice, a Just Transition, and Energy Democracy;
– A Just and Sustainable Finance and International Financial Architecture; and
– Building Momentum for the Achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 20 November 2025, address the Closing Ceremony of the G20 Social Summit and receive the declaration from participating delegates over the 3-day convention.

The Federative Republic of Brazil, as member of the G20 Troika, will also participate in the Closing Ceremony which will commence at 11h00 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Kenya: Amb. Guo Haiyan Meets with Principal Secretary (PS) Anne Wango’ombe

Source: APO – Report:

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On November 14, H.E. Amb. Guo Haiyan met with Ms. Anne Wango’ombe, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services of Kenya.

PS Wango’ombe shared her experience of participating the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing last October and extended her congratulations on the successful event commenting it is not only a testimony of China’s leadership in global women’s causes, but of great significance in advancing global women empowerment. PS further highly commended China’s achievements in women’s education, legal protection, economic inclusion and empowerment across the board. 

Amb. Guo expressed Chinese side’s appreciation to Kenya’s strong support in holding the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and agreed to jointly implement the important achievements reached on the Meeting, strengthen bilateral cooperation in women causes aiming to contribute positively to building a China–Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

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Ambassador Zhao Weiping Attended the Handover Ceremony of China-Aided New Airport Freeway Phase 2B Project in the Capital of Namibia

Source: APO – Report:

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On November 10, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping attended the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Airport Road Phase 2B Project in the capital of Namibia and jointly signed the project handover certificate with Hon. Veikko Nekundi, Namibian Minister of Works and Transport.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao said that the newly opened airport freeway Phase 2B is the largest grant aid project China has provided to Namibia to date and is a new testament to the friendship between the two countries. China will continue to actively support Namibia in advancing its modernization in line with the spirit of the FOCAC Beijing Summit.

Minister Veikko Nekundi said in his speech that this project fully demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China’s long-term and strong support for infrastructure development in Namibia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by over 100 people, including officials from the Namibian Ministry of Works and Transport, the Road Authority and local government, as well as representatives from the Chinese project construction company. The event received extensive positive coverage from major mainstream media outlets in Namibia.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Namibia.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) Enquiry into Road Accident Fund (RAF) Financial Matters to Hear from Executive and Senior Management

Source: APO – Report:

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) will this week enter its seventh week of its enquiry into the financial affairs of the Road Accident Fund (RAF). This week’s hearings will focus on testimonies from the RAF’s executive and senior management, who will respond or provide clarity to allegations made by previous witnesses.

On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, SCOPA will hear from Ms Mpho Manyasha, the suspended Head of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Ms Mampe Kumalo, the suspended Chief Governance Officer, and Mr Motlhoding Letsoalo, the former Senior Human Resources Manager.

Ms Mpho Manyasha has worked in the Office of the CEO since the 2019/20 financial year, initially as General Manager: Specialist Projects. Her role changed to Head: Office of the CEO in the 2022/23 financial year, and from 2023/24 she also served as Acting Chief Corporate Support Officer. On 7 November 2025, she was placed on precautionary suspension.

Also among senior managers who have been placed on precautionary suspension is Ms Kumalo, the Chief Governance Officer since 2022/23, overseeing Legal Services, Assurance and Monitoring, Enterprise Risk Management, and Forensics at the RAF. Ms Kumalo is the RAF executive who signed off on the media buying contract awarded to Media Mix and the integrated marketing contract awarded to Dzinge Production.

Mr Motlhoding Letsoalo is mentioned in the enquiry regarding allegations concerning his management of disciplinary processes.

On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will return to discuss technical details of the RAF’s accounting policy change. The committee will also hear evidence from suspended Chief Financial Officer, Ms Bernice Potgieter; former Acting CFO, Ms Boitumelo Mabusela and suspended Senior Treasury Specialist and former Acting Chief Investment Officer, Mr Sefotle Modiba.

Ms Bernice Potgieter, appointed RAF CFO in March 2022 and previously Senior Manager: Financial Accounting, was Acting CFO from 27 May 2021, following the resignation of the previous Acting CFO. Despite her suspension as a Senior Executive, she is required to account for key issues, including changes in accounting policy and related litigation that arose during her tenure in various RAF roles.

Ms Boitumelo Mabusela joined the RAF as a Specialist in the Office of the former CEO, before being elevated to Acting CFO. Ms Bernice Potgieter pinned a lot of issues on her during the enquiry hearing of 4 November 2025, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of the RAF’s IPSAS 42 accounting policy.

Mr Modiba joined the RAF in May 2020 as a Senior Treasury Specialist in the CEO’s office. In July 2020, he was appointed Acting General Manager: Treasury. Following the 2022 organisational structure review, the RAF established an Investment Division, and Mr Modiba became the Acting Chief Investment Officer. He will account to SCOPA on matters related to his Treasury Specialist and CIO roles and responsibilities, debt restructuring and changes in accounting policy.

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, PwC will account to SCOPA on its role in the development and implementation of the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS). Ms Mpho Manyasha, Ms Bernice Potgieter and Ms Boitumelo Mabusela will continue with their evidence.

On Friday, 21 November 2025, SCOPA will receive testimony from former Acting Chief Operations Officer, Ms Maria Rambauli, regarding allegations raised by previous witnesses. SCOPA will also hear testimony from witness X.

All documents presented to the committee during the enquiry are made publicly available after each day’s session at this link: https://www.parliament.gov.za/raf-enquiry.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Propelling Ugandan small businesses to digital growth

Source: APO – Report:

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Ugandan small businesses joined forces with industry and development partners to chart a path to growth in digital trade.

‘Ugandan small tourism businesses often struggle with low visibility, strict compliance requirements for listing on global platforms, and limited payment gateways. Yet digital platforms remain our best path to scale,’ said Ingrid Aringaniza, CEO of Footprint Experiences. 

‘We must build solutions that fit Uganda’s realities, but that can still scale to serve bigger markets for growth and profitability. The SB4U co-creation session was valuable because it helped to define a clear and realistic e-commerce journey,’ she added.

SB4U, or the Sustainable Business for Uganda project at the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together Ingrid and some 70 other participants from Uganda’s e-commerce ecosystem. They included small businesses, sector associations, tech hubs, marketplaces, and service providers. They met in the capital Kampala to chart a new path for small businesses in the digital economy.

Participants worked together to create detailed profiles of small businesses that work in areas like grains, tourism, and logistics. These profiles helped define their unique needs, identify relevant digital platforms for onboarding, and outline partnerships essential to advancing their e-commerce journeys. 

“Supportive regulations and enabling infrastructure are critical for small businesses in the digital economy.”

‘The twin engines of e-commerce are trust and logistics,’ said Steven Lamony, CEO of Jumia Uganda, the country’s largest e-commerce platform. ‘We need to ensure an open and regular discussion with the industry to identify how concrete challenges could be bridged with existing market solutions, including the delivery networks which Jumia expands across Uganda.’ 

The discussions look at how to overcome obstacles for small businesses to succeed in digital trade. This collaborative effort reflects a shared vision for an ambitious yet realistic digital future for Uganda’s small businesses. 

This initiative responds directly to Uganda’s rapid digital economy growth and the widespread use of mobile technology. It aims to ensure that small businesses can engage with online markets, tapping into opportunities at domestic, regional, and international levels.

“We must build solutions that fit Uganda’s realities, but that can still scale to serve bigger markets for growth and profitability. The SB4U co-creation session was valuable because it helped to define a clear and realistic e-commerce journey.” Ingrid Aringaniza, CEO, Footprint Experiences

The session, which adopted a market-led approach to support small businesses in e-commerce, was convened by ITC through the European Union-funded Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0 – Trade and Investment Development project, which will enhance Uganda’s regional and global competitiveness.

As a next step, a pilot e-commerce capacity building and market linkages activities will be run in Mbarara in November this year.  

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.