Category: MIL-OSI

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Eritrea: Road renovation popular campaign

Source: APO


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Residents of villages in the Golo administrative area in Senafe sub-zone are conducting a dirt road renovation popular campaign on the road that connects Senafe with Talha-Nar’e administrative area.

Mr. Ibrahim Omar, managing director of the administrative area, said that the objective of the popular campaign was to renovate the dirt road that was damaged due to flooding and to address the challenges residents have been facing due to the lack of transportation services.

Golo administrative area is located 12 km east of Senafe and is home to about 1,500 residents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Vocational training to members of The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW)

Source: APO


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The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) central office organized vocational training for its members in the Northern Red Sea Region.

Ms. Zaid Mesfun, head of administration and finance of the union, said that the theoretical and practical training covered finance administration, documentation, human resources management, material administration, and reporting.

Ms. Zaid called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their daily activities at their workplaces. She also said that similar training programs will continue to be organized.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Promotional program on measures to control communicable diseases prevalence

Source: APO


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Promotional program focusing on measures that should be taken to control the prevalence of communicable diseases was conducted for owners of various social service provision institutions in Asmara.

The promotional program, organized by the Promotion and Information Unit of the Ministry of Health on 1 December, covered HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and cervical cancer.

The health professionals provided detailed briefings focusing on the spread of these diseases at the national and global level. They called for seeking immediate treatment when symptoms appear and for the proper use of prescribed medicines.

Noting that regular vaccination against cervical cancer is being provided, vaccination is regularly being provided to females aged 14, while women aged 30 are recommended to undergo regular checkups.

Mr. Solomon Girmay, chairman of the Tourism Service Provision Institutions, said that the objective of the promotion program was to enhance the understanding of owners of social service provision institutions on controlling the prevalence of communicable diseases and to enable them to play their due part in the effort.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Angola Launches New Gas Consortium (NGC) Project, Unlocking New Era of Non-Associated Gas Development

Source: APO


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Angola has officially launched its first dedicated non-associated gas project, the New Gas Consortium (NGC) Gas Treatment Plant in Soyo, marking a major milestone for the country’s energy sector. Commissioned in November 2025, the onshore facility processes around 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 20,000 barrels of condensate, sourced from the offshore Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. The project represents a significant shift for Angola, moving beyond its historical reliance on oil and tapping standalone gas resources that can support a more diversified and resilient energy economy.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – strongly welcomes this achievement, viewing it as a transformative step for Angola and the continent. By developing non-associated gas, Angola is reducing its historical reliance on oil, creating jobs, building local skills and establishing a reliable supply of cleaner power. Thousands of Angolans were mobilized during construction and commissioning, with over 4,500 employed at the peak of activity and another 1,200 involved in fabrication and infrastructure, demonstrating how energy projects can deliver direct, tangible benefits to communities.

Gas from the Soyo plant feeds directly into the Angola LNG facility, supporting both exports and domestic power generation, as well as future industrial projects such as fertilizer production for agriculture. Operated by Azule Energy – a 50:50 joint venture between energy majors bp and Eni – alongside Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol E&P and TotalEnergies, the $4 billion project reached full operations six months ahead of schedule, demonstrating efficiency, strong project management and Angola’s growing capability to delivery large-scale, complex energy infrastructure.

The NGC project also strengthens Angola’s position in the global natural gas market. Unlike associated gas produced alongside oil, non-associated gas is a standalone resource, offering long-term industrial and economic advantages while supporting cleaner energy production. The momentum in the country’s gas sector continues with the recent discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in offshore Block 1/14. Announced in July 2025, this was the first dedicated gas exploration well in Angola and has revealed potential gas volumes exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet, along with up to 100 million barrels of condensate. Operated by Azule Energy with partners Equinor, Sonangol E&P and Acrep S.A., the discovery confirms the enormous potential of the Lower Congo Basin and underscores the value of Angola’s non-associated gas strategy.

“Non-associated gas deposits guarantee additional production rather than relying solely on the gas that is associated with oil. The benefits are significant, as gas is in great demand in the international market, is less polluting than diesel and offers a competitive price. We believe that other developments like this will come along, which is promising for the Angolan people and the national economy,” stated Angola’s President João Lourenço.

Echoing the President’s enthusiasm for gas development in the country, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo added that, “This is the first non-associated natural gas treatment production project in Angola. […] Angola established a modern, competitive and attractive legal and fiscal regime for the development of gas not associated with oil, definitively opening the door to structuring projects like this.”

For the AEC, the Soyo plant is a clear example of how Africa can take control of its energy future, executing complex projects efficiently while creating economic and social value. It highlights the continent’s ability to responsibly develop its resources, deliver energy security and open new avenues for industrialization and sustainable growth. The Chamber applauds Angola, Azule Energy and all partners involved for achieving this milestone and setting a benchmark for non-associated gas development in Africa.

“Angola’s first non-associated gas project marks a decisive moment for the country’s energy future. It shows what is possible when bold leadership, strong partnerships and investor confidence align. This development will unlock new value, drive industrial growth and position Angola as a competitive force in Africa’s evolving gas market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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L’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck (MFFLI) discutera de sa stratégie pour 2026 et partagera l’impact de ses programmes de formation des professionnels de santé, de soutien à l’éducation des filles et de lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • La 12ème édition de Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary a été officiellement inaugurée par le Vice-Président de la République de Gambie, S.E. M. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, et le Chairman de la Fondation Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
  • La conférence était coprésidée par la Première Dame de la République de Gambie, S.E. Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW et CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, et ont assisté à la conférence les Premières Dames du Burundi, République Centrafricaine, Libéria, Nigéria, Sao Tomé-et-Principe et Sénégal, en tant qu’invitées d’honneur.
  • Près de 1 600 participants, parmi lesquels des professionnels de santé, des décideurs politiques et des représentants des médias de 52 pays anglophones, francophones et lusophones, ont participé à la conférence. Ils ont bénéficié de trois sessions scientifiques et sociales parallèles visant à renforcer les capacités et la sensibilisation dans 44 spécialités médicales essentielles et sous-desservies. Par ailleurs, la conférence a été suivie en ligne par 2,25 millions de personnes dans 53 pays, amplifiant ainsi son impact et favorisant l’accès aux connaissances et au dialogue à travers les continents.
  • La Fondation Merck a célébré les 13 ans de ses programmes de développement lors de l’événement Luminary 2025.
  • Regardez la vidéo de la réunion du Comité MFFLI qui s’est tenue lors de la 12ème édition de Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 : https://apo-opa.co/3K4UBrK

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a organisé la 12ème Édition de sa conférence annuelle, « Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary », en partenariat avec le Gouvernement de Gambie, à Banjul, en Gambie. La conférence a été inaugurée par M. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, Vice-président de la République de Gambie, avec le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et co-présidée par Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Première Dame de Gambie et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère et Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, ainsi que les Premières Dames d’Afrique, étaient présentes en tant qu’Invitées d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales :

  • S.E. Madame ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, Première Dame de la République du Burundi
  • S.E. Madame BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine
  • S.E. Mme KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Première Dame de la République du Libéria
  • H.E. Sénatrice OLUREMI TINUBI, CON, Première Dame de la République Fédérale du Nigéria
  • S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Première Dame de la République Démocratique de São Tomé et Príncipe
  • S.E. Madame MARIE KHONE FAYE, Première Dame de la République du Sénégal

Le deuxième jour du Sommet s’est tenu la réunion du Comité de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck (MFFLI).

Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et coprésidente de la 12ème édition du Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025, a souligné : « Ce fut un privilège de réunir le Comité de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck Afrique (MFFLI) avec notre Chairman et mes chères sœurs, les Premières Dames d’Afrique, qui sont également nos Ambassadrices de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère ».

Au cours de cette réunion, nous avons évalué l’impact de nos programmes en cours et discuté de la stratégie 2026 visant à renforcer les capacités dans les domaines de la santé et des médias, et à répondre aux enjeux sociaux et sanitaires cruciaux, notamment la lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, l’élimination du mariage des enfants et des mutilations génitales féminines, la lutte contre les violences sexistes, l’autonomisation des femmes et la sensibilisation aux problèmes de santé tels que le diabète et l’hypertension. » Regardez la vidéo du CEO de la Fondation Merck lors de la Réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/3MyQTao

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, a déclaré : « Il était très encourageant d’entendre les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie évoquer les progrès significatifs accomplis dans leurs pays grâce aux initiatives de la Fondation Merck et l’impact concret de ces programmes à l’échelle nationale. » Regardez la vidéo du Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp lors de la réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/48RzWzN

S.E. Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Première Dame de la République de Gambie et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », également coprésidente du Luminary a souligné : « Je suis ravie d’accueillir dans mon pays mes chères sœurs, les Premières Dames d’Afrique, ainsi que la CEO et le Chairman de la Fondation Merck. Le MFFLI est une plateforme essentielle qui nous permet de revenir sur nos réalisations et d’envisager l’avenir.

Je suis fière de mon partenariat avec la Fondation Merck, grâce auquel nous transformons notre système de santé publique et écrivons l’histoire en finançant nos tout premiers spécialistes dans des domaines cruciaux tels que l’oncologie, la fertilité et bien d’autres. La Fondation Merck a déjà octroyé 94 bourses à des médecins gambiens dans de nombreuses spécialités essentielles. De plus, nous offrons chaque année des bourses à 40 jeunes filles brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés, les aidant ainsi à poursuivre leurs études et à réaliser pleinement leur potentiel. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame de Gambie lors de la Réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/4pJ2LVx

La Fondation Merck a également publié un nouveau livre pour enfants et son adaptation en film d’animation, intitulé « Lumière d’Espoir », afin de sensibiliser le public au cancer, en particulier au dépistage précoce, à la prévention et à l’accès à des soins de qualité, notamment pour les enfants atteints de cancer. Le livre et le film ont été présentés par la COE de la Fondation Merck, en présence des Premières Dames du Burundi, République Centrafricaine, Gambie, Libéria, Nigéria, Sao Tomé-et-Principe et Sénégal.

Lisez le livre « Lumière d’Espoir » ici :

https://apo-opa.co/4pj0Ozu

Visionnez le film d’animation « Lumière d’Espoir » ici :

https://apo-opa.co/3MhKZdG

Lors de la réunion du comité de l‘Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck (MFFLI), les Premières Dames africaines ont présenté les progrès des programmes de la Fondation Merck dans leurs pays et ont discuté de la stratégie pour 2026.

S.E. Madame MARIE KHONE FAYE, Première Dame de la République du Sénégal et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a déclaré : « Je suis fière de me joindre à mes sœurs sur cette prestigieuse tribune. Chaque occasion me permet d’en apprendre davantage sur l’impact des programmes de la Fondation Merck et leurs nombreux bienfaits. Je suis heureuse d’annoncer que la Fondation Merck a octroyé 29 bourses d’études à de jeunes médecins en Oncologie, Diabétologie, Fertilité et Embryologie, et je souhaite vivement développer cet effort. Je suis également heureuse de lancer les initiatives de sensibilisation communautaire de la Fondation Merck dans mon pays afin de sensibiliser la population aux enjeux sociaux et sanitaires cruciaux. De plus, nous avons lancé le programme « Éduquer Linda » et offrons chaque année des bourses d’études à 40 jeunes filles brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Sénégal lors de la réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/4otdlza

S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Première Dame de la République Démocratique de São Tomé-et-Principe et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a déclaré : « Je suis honorée de participer à cette prestigieuse initiative et de présenter les programmes à fort impact de la Fondation Merck dans mon pays en tant qu’Ambassadrice de la campagne Plus Qu’une Mère. Grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda et Lindo », nous soutenons chaque année la scolarité de 40 filles et garçons brillants issus de milieux défavorisés, leur donnant ainsi la possibilité de terminer leurs études et de réaliser leurs rêves. La Fondation Merck a également commencé à inscrire des médecins locaux à des formations spécialisées. C’est la première fois que nous mettons en œuvre de tels programmes dans notre pays. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame de São Tomé-et-Principe lors de la réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/4iveowZ

S.E. Sénatrice OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, Première Dame de la République Fédérale du Nigéria et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a déclaré : « J’ai trouvé les discussions lors de la réunion du comité MFFLI véritablement inspirantes et motivantes. Je suis profondément impressionnée par l’impact de la Fondation Merck au Nigéria, notamment par les 81 bourses d’études accordées à nos jeunes médecins dans des domaines essentiels tels que la Fertilité, Oncologie et Diabète, entre autres. L’éducation des filles me tient également à cœur, et grâce au programme « Éduquer Linda », nous finançons actuellement chaque année la scolarité de 71 écolières brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés. Je suis heureuse de contribuer à l’épanouissement des jeunes filles méritantes de notre pays. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première dame du Nigéria lors de la réunion du comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/49RWT82

S.E. Mme KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Première Dame de la République du Libéria et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a déclaré : « J’accorde une grande importance à cette plateforme, car elle nous permet de partager nos progrès et de définir la voie à suivre. Grâce à notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck, nous avons octroyé 52 bourses d’études à des médecins spécialisés en Fertilité, Embryologie, Oncologie et Diabétologie, et nous souhaitons désormais étendre notre action à d’autres spécialités essentielles. Nous restons également engagés en faveur de l’éducation des filles ; 40 écolières brillantes bénéficient actuellement des bourses annuelles du programme Éduquer Linda. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Libéria lors de la réunion du comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/48vCAuQ

S.E. Madame BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Première Dame de la Republique Centrafricaine et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a souligné : « En tant que membre fondatrice de cette prestigieuse plateforme, je reste déterminée à collaborer étroitement avec la Fondation Merck pour renforcer les capacités du système de santé en finançant des bourses d’études pour nos médecins. Je suis également très impliquée dans le programme « Éduquer Linda », grâce auquel nous parrainons 40 écolières défavorisées de notre pays. J’ai hâte de développer ces initiatives afin d’amplifier leur impact. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine lors de la réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/4rvWL4r

S.E. Madame ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, Première Dame de la République du Burundi et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère, a déclaré : « Je suis ravie d’avoir pu échanger avec mes chères sœurs sur l’impact de notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck. Je suis fière d’annoncer que nous avons octroyé 244 bourses d’études à des médecins burundais et que nous poursuivrons notre soutien à travers 44 spécialités essentielles. Nous attachons également une grande importance au programme « Éduquer Linda », grâce auquel nous offrons chaque année des bourses d’études à 40 jeunes filles brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés. Promouvoir l’éducation des filles demeure une priorité pour nous tous. » Regardez la vidéo de la Première Dame du Burundi lors de la réunion du Comité MFFLI en Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/4ao1VJp

La conférence s’est tenue en format hybride et a réuni près de 1 600 participants, parmi lesquels des professionnels de santé, des décideurs politiques et des représentants des médias de 52 pays anglophones, francophones et lusophones. Ces participants ont bénéficié de trois sessions scientifiques et sociales parallèles visant à renforcer les capacités et la sensibilisation dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et sous-desservies. Par ailleurs, la conférence a été suivie en ligne par 2,25 millions de personnes dans 53 pays, amplifiant ainsi son impact et favorisant l’accès aux connaissances et au dialogue à travers les continents.

La 12ème édition du Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary a été diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de Merck Foundation et Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3K8379r), X (http://apo-opa.co/3K83913), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48cQp2e), et YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48Mu1gc).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/48cQq6i), X (http://apo-opa.co/4rxIXq3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48yTWXz), et YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XuA7LW).

Lien vers la retransmission en direct sur Facebook de la Session Inaugurale du 12ème Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary : https://apo-opa.co/49SorKy

Résumé des initiatives et de l’impact de la Fondation Merck :

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 par la Fondation Merck pour mieux sensibiliser le public 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 visant à lutter contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, à soutenir l’éducation des filles et à promouvoir la prévention et le dépistage 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 1100 bourses d’études sont octroyées chaque année à des écolières africaines brillantes mais défavorisées, issues de 18 pays, afin de les aider à poursuivre leurs études et à réaliser pleinement leur potentiel.
  • 15 chaînes de réseaux sociaux avec plus de 8.5 millions 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/3KANvv6
X : https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB
Website : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/49SK0dM

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/3KANvv6), X (https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB).

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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Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck (MFFLI) discutirá a estratégia para 2026 e compartilhará o impacto dos programas para capacitar profissionais de saúde, apoiar a educação de meninas e combater o estigma da infertilidade

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • A 12ª Edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck foi oficialmente aberta pelo Vice-Presidente da República da Gâmbia, S. Exa. Sr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, e pelo Presidente da Fundação Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
  • A conferência foi copresidida pela Primeira-Dama da República da Gâmbia, S. Exa. Sra. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, e pela CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, e contou com a presença das Primeiras-Damas do Burundi, da República Centro Africana, da Libéria, da Nigéria, de São Tomé e Príncipe e do Senegal, como convidadas de honra.
  • A conferência reuniu cerca de 1.600 participantes, incluindo profissionais de saúde, decisores políticos e representantes da comunicação social de 52 países de língua inglesa, francesa e portuguesa, que se beneficiaram de três sessões paralelas, científicas e sociais, para promover a capacitação e a conscientização em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes. Além disso, a conferência teve 2,25 milhões de espectadores online de 53 países, ampliando ainda mais o seu impacto e estendendo o acesso ao conhecimento e ao diá. entre continentes.
  • A Fundação Merck celebrou os 13 anos dos seus programas de desenvolvimento durante a Luminária 2025.
  • Assista ao vídeo da reunião do Comité da MFFLI realizada durante a 12ª da Luminária Áfica Ásia da Fundação Merck 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3K4UBrK

A Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, realizou a 12ª Edição da sua conferência anual, “Luminária Áfrixa Ásia da Fundação Merck”, em parceria com o Governo da Gâmbia em Banjul, Gâmbia. A conferência foi aberta por S. Exa. Sr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, Vice-Presidente da República da Gâmbia, juntamente com o Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck e co-presidente por S. Exa. Sra. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Primeira-Dama da Gâmbia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais Que uma Mãe”, e a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada), CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas dos países africanos, que se participaram como Convidadas de Honra e Oradoras Principais:

  • S. Exa. Senhora ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Burundi
  • S. Exa. Senhora BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Primeira-Dama da República Centro Africana
  • S. Exa. Sra. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Primeira-Dama da República da Libéria
  • S. Exa. Senadora. OLUREMI TINUBI, COM Primeira-Dama da Frepública Federal da Nigéria
  • S. Exa. Sra. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
  • S. Exa. Senhora MARIE KHONE FAYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Senegal

No segundo dia da Cúpula, foi realizada a reunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck (MFFLI).

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Co-Presidente da 12ª Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck 2025 enfatizou: “Foi um privilégio convocar a MReunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck (MFFLI) juntamente com a nossa Presidente e as minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas da África, que também são as nossas Embaixadoras da ‘Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mulher’.

Durante a reunião, avaliamos o impacto dos nossos programas em cutrso e discutimos a estratégia para 2026, visando fortalecer ainda mais a capacidade dos sectores de saúde e mídia e abordar questões sociais e de saúde críticas, incluindo o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas, o fim do casamento infantil e da mutilação genital feminina, o combate à violência do género, o empoderamento feminino e a conscientização sobre problemas de saúde como a diabetes e a hipertensão.

” Assista ao vídeo da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck durante a reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/3MyQTao

O Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck expressou: “Foi realmente encorajador ouvir das Primeiras-Damas da África e da Ásia, informação sobre o progresso significativo alcançado nos seus países por meio das iniciativas da Fundação Merck e o impacto relevante que esses programas tiveram a nível nacional.”

Assista ao vídeo do Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp durante a reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/48RzWzN

A S. Exa. Sra. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Primeira-Dama da República da Gâmbia & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe, também co-presidente da luminária enfatizou: “É com grande prazer que dou as boas-vindas às minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas da África, juntamente com a CEO e o Presidente da Fundação Merck, ao meu país. A MFFLI é uma plataforma vital que nos permite reflectir sobre as nossas conquistas e discutir o caminho a seguir.

Tenho orgulho da minha parceria com a Fundação Merck, através da qual estamos a reformular o nosso sistema público de saúde e a fazer história, ao fornecer bolsas de estudo para os nossos primeiros especialistas em áreas cruciais como a oncologia, a fertilidade e muito mais. A Fundação Merck concedeu 94 bolsas de estudo para médicos gambianos em diversas especialidades críticas. Além disso, também oferecemos bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 meninas carentes e com bom desempenho académico, ajudando-as a concluir os seus estudos e alcançar o seu pleno potencial.”

Assista ao vídeo da Primeira-Dama da Gâmbia durante a reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/4pJ2LVx

A Fundação Merck também lançou um novo livro infantil e sua adaptação para filme de animação intitulado “Raio de Esperança” para aumentar a conscientização sobre o cancro, com foco especial na detecção precoce, prevenção e acesso a cuidados oncológicos de qualidade, especialmente no cancro infantil. O livro e o filme de animação foram lançados pelo Presidente e pela CEO da Fundação Merck, juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas do Burundi, República Centro Africana, Gâmbia, Libéria, Nigéria, São Tomé e Príncipe e Senegal.

Leia o livro infantil “Raio de Esperança” aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/4pj0Ozu

Assista ao filme de animação ‘Raio de Esperança’ aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/3MhKZdG

Durante a reunião do comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck (MFFLI), as Primeiras-Damas Africanas compartilharam o progresso dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus países e discutiram a estratégia para 2026.

A S. Exa. Senhora MARIE KHONE FAYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Senegal & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe partilhou: “Tenho orgulho de me juntar às minhas colegas nesta plataforma tão importante. Cada oportunidade que tenho permite-me a aprender mais sobre os programas impactantes da Fundação Merck e seus benefícios abrangentes. É com grande satisfação que partilho que a Fundação Merck concedeu 29 bolsas de estudo para os nossos jovens médicos nas áreas de Oncologia, Diabetes, Fertilidade e Embriologia, e estou ansiosa para ampliar esse esforço. Também tenho o prazer de lançar as iniciativas de Conscientização Comunitária da Fundação Merck no meu país, com o objectivo de aumentar a conscientização sobre questões sociais e de saúde cruciais. Além disso, iniciamos o programa Educar Linda, que oferece bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 meninas carentes, mas com alto desempenho académico.”

Assista ao video da Primeira-Dama do Senegal durante a Reunião do Comité da  da MFFLI na Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4otdlza

A S. Exa. Sra. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe disse: “Sinto-me honrada por fazer parte desta plataforma tão prestigiada e por trazer os programas impactantes da Fundação Merck para o meu país como Embaixadora da campanha Mais do que uma Mãe. Através do programa Educar Linda, apoiamos anualmente a educação de 40 meninas e meninos de alto desempenho, mas desfavorecidos, dando-lhes a oportunidade de concluir os seus estudos e seguir os seus sonhos. A Fundação Merck também começou a inscrever médicos locais em programas de especialização. Esta é a primeira vez que trabalhamos com programas deste tipo no nosso país.” Assista ao video da Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/4iveowZ

A S. Exa. Senadora. OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, Primeira-Dama da República Federal da Nigéria & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe partilhou: “Achei as discussões durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI verdadeiramente inspiradoras e motivadoras. Estou profundamente impressionada com o impacto que a Fundação Merck teve na Nigéria, particularmente com as 81 bolsas de estudo para os nossos jovens médicos em áreas vitais como Fertilidade, Oncologia e Diabetes, entre muitas outras. Também sou apaixonada pela educação de meninas e, por meio do programa Educar Linda, estamos actualmente a oferecer patrocínios anuais para apoiar a educação de 71 meninas de alto desempenho, porém carentes. Estou feliz em poder empoderar as meninas merecedoras no nosso país.” Assista ao video da Primeira-Dama da Nigéria durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/49RWT82

A S. Exa. Sra. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Primeira-Dama da República da Libéria & Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe partilhou: “Saúdo ​​muito esta plataforma, pois ela ajuda-nos a compartilhar o nosso progresso e a definir o caminho a seguir. Por meio da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck, concedemos 52 bolsas de estudo para médicos nas áreas de Fertilidade, Embriologia, Oncologia e Diabetes, e agora esperamos expandir para outras especialidades essenciais. Também mantemos o nosso compromisso com a educação de meninas, com 40 alunas merecedoras sendo beneficiadas actualmente pelas bolsas de estudo anuais do programa Educar Linda.”

Assista ao video da Primeira-Dama da Libéria durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/48vCAuQ

A S. Exa. Senhora BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Primeira-Dama da República Centro Africana e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe enfatizou: “Como um dos membros fundadores desta estimada plataforma, continuo comprometida em trabalhar em estreita colaboração com a Fundação Merck para fortalecer a capacidade do sistema de saúde, apoiando bolsas de estudo para os nossos médicos. Também estou profundamente envolvida com o programa “Educar Linda”, por meio do qual patrocinamos 40 meninas carentes no nosso país. Espero expandir essas iniciativas para ampliar ainda mais o seu impacto.” Assista ao video da Primeira-Dama da República Centro Africana durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/4rvWL4r

A S. Exa. Senhora ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Burundi e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe afirmou: “É com grande satisfação que participo de discussões significativas com as minhas queridas companheiras sobre o impacto da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck. Tenho orgulho de partilhar que já concedemos 244 bolsas de estudo para médicos burundeses e continuaremos a expandir esse apoio para 44 especialidades médicas essenciais. Também valorizamos muito o programa Educar Linda, por meio do qual oferecemos bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 alunas de alto desempenho, porém de baixa renda. Promover a educação de meninas continua a ser uma prioridade compartilhada por todos nós.”

Assista o video da Primeira-Dama do Burundi durante a Reunião do Comité da MFFLI na Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/4ao1VJp

A conferência foi realizada em formato híbrido e contou com a participação de cerca de 1.600 pessoas, incluindo profissionais de saúde, decisores políticos e representantes da mídia de 52 países de língua inglesa, francesa e portuguesa, que se beneficiaram de três sessões paralelas, científicas e sociais, para promover a capacitação e a conscientização em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes de serviços. Além disso, a conferência teve 2,25 milhões de visualizações online de 53 países, ampliando ainda mais seu impacto e estendendo o acesso ao conhecimento e ao diá. entre continentes.

A 12ª Edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck foi transmitida em directo nos canais da mídia social media da Fundação Merck e da  Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3K8379r), X (http://apo-opa.co/3K83913), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48cQp2e), e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48Mu1gc).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/48cQq6i), X (http://apo-opa.co/4rxIXq3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48yTWXz), e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XuA7LW).

Link para a transmissão ao vivo no YouTube da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/49SorKy

Resumo das iniciativas e do impacto da Fundação Merck:

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

• Mais de 2.400 bolsas de estudo concedidas pela Fundação Merck a profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas essenciais e carentes.

A Fundação Merck também está a promover uma mudança cultural e 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, filme, música e moda.

• Cerca de 30 músicas que abordam questões de saúde e sociais, compostas por cantores locais de toda a África.

• 9 livros 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 conscientizar 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” abordando questões sociais e de saúde em África por meio da comunidade “Moda e Arte com Propósito”.

• Mais de 1100 bolsas de estudo concedidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos.

• 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!
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Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/49SK0dM

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar 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 as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3KANvv6), X (https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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Camarões: Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento concede ao Crédit Communautaire d’Afrique-Bank uma linha de financiamento comercial de 25 milhões de euros para apoiar Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEs) e outras empresas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou, na segunda-feira, 1 de dezembro de 2025, em Abidjan, uma linha de financiamento comercial de 25 milhões de euros a favor do Crédit communautaire d’Afrique-Bank (CCA-Bank) dos Camarões, com o objetivo de melhorar a sua oferta de financiamento comercial em benefício das pequenas e médias empresas e outras empresas.

“O mecanismo apoiará a economia camaronense, facilitando as importações de equipamentos relacionados com os setores da indústria, agroindústria e telecomunicações. Permitirá também ao Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento fornecer até 100% de garantia aos bancos confirmadores, a fim de facilitar a confirmação de cartas de crédito e outros instrumentos semelhantes de financiamento do comércio emitidos pelo CCA-Bank em benefício das pequenas e médias empresas camaronenses”, explicou Lamin Drammeh, responsável pela divisão de financiamento do comércio do Grupo Banco.

O diretor-geral da região da África Central do Banco, Léandre Bassolé, salientou que a operação se enquadra na ambição da instituição de aumentar as suas intervenções diretas a favor do setor privado nos Camarões. “Reforçará a capacidade do CCA-Bank para apoiar as atividades das pequenas e médias empresas, incluindo as empresas detidas por mulheres e jovens, a fim de estimular o setor produtivo local, facilitar o crescimento económico e a criação e manutenção de milhares de postos de trabalho”, afirmou.

Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, diretora-geral do CCA-Bank, congratulou-se com este primeiro contacto direto com o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento: “Gostaríamos de expressar a nossa gratidão ao Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento por este importante mecanismo de financiamento do comércio. Esta parceria estratégica marca um passo importante para a nossa instituição e reforçará significativamente a nossa capacidade de apoiar as pequenas e médias empresas, as mulheres empresárias e as empresas emergentes nos Camarões e em África”. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Alexis Adélé
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre a Garantia de Transação do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento: 
A Garantia de Transação é um dos instrumentos de financiamento do comércio criados pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para apoiar os bancos comerciais em África. Foi lançada em 2021 e abrange uma variedade de instrumentos de financiamento do comércio, incluindo cartas de crédito confirmadas, empréstimos comerciais, compromissos de reembolso irrevogáveis, letras de câmbio garantidas e notas promissórias, entre outros. O mecanismo está disponível para todos os bancos registados e a operar em África que tenham passado pelo processo de diligência devida do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. 

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI to discuss 2026 strategy and share programs’ impact to Train Healthcare Providers, Support Girl Education and Break Infertility Stigma

Source: APO

  • The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW and Merck Foundation Chairman, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
  • The conference was co-chaired by The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW and Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and attended by The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal, as Guests of Honor.
  • The conference was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.
  • Merck Foundation celebrated the 13-year journey of their development programs, during 2025 Luminary. 
  • Watch the video of MFFLI Committee Meeting held during the 12 Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3K4UBrK

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, together with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of African countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers:

  • H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
  • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central African Republic
  • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBI, CON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal

On Day 2 of the Summit, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) was conducted.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Co-Chairperson of 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 emphasized, “It was a privilege to convene the Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting together with our Chairman and my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who are also our Ambassadors of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’.

During the meeting, we evaluated the impact of our ongoing programs and discussed the 2026 strategy to further strengthen healthcare and media capacity and address critical social and health issues including Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and FGM, Stopping GBV, Empowering Women, and raising awareness about health concerns such as Diabetes and Hypertension.” Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/3MyQTao

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed, “It was truly encouraging to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the significant progress made in their countries through Merck Foundation’s initiatives and the meaningful impact these programs have had nationally.” Watch the video of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48RzWzN

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother, also the co-chair of the luminary emphasized, “I am delighted to welcome my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, along with the Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman, to my country. MFFLI is a vital platform that allows us to reflect on our achievements and discuss the way forward.

I take pride in my partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we are reshaping our public healthcare system and making history by providing scholarships for our very first specialists in crucial fields such as oncology, fertility, and more. Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships for Gambian doctors in many critical specialties. Moreover, we are also providing annual scholarships for 40 deserving yet underprivileged girls, helping them to complete their education and achieve their full potential.” Watch the video of The Gambia first Lady during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4pJ2LVx

Merck Foundation also released a new children’s storybook and its animation film adaptation titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, with a special focus on early detection, prevention and access to quality cancer care specially in childhood cancer. The storybook and animation film were released by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal.

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here:

https://apo-opa.co/4pj0Ozu

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/3MhKZdG

During the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) committee meeting, the African First Ladies shared the progress of Merck Foundation programs in their countries and discussed the 2026 strategy.

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m proud to join my sisters on this esteemed platform. Each time I get an opportunity to learn more about Merck Foundation’s impactful programs and their far-reaching benefits. I’m pleased to share that Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for our young doctors in Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology, and I’m eager to scale up this effort. I am also happy to launch the Merck Foundation Community Awareness initiatives tin my country to be raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Moreover, we have started the Educating Linda program and are providing annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged but high performing schoolgirls.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Senegal during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4otdlza

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 stated, “I am honored to be part of this prestigious platform and to bring Merck Foundation’s impactful programs to my country as the Ambassador of the More Than a Mother campaign. Through the Educating Linda and Lindo program, we are annually supporting the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged girls and boys, giving them the chance to complete their studies and follow their dreams. Merck Foundation has also started to enroll our local doctors for specialty trainings. This is the first time we are working on such programs in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4iveowZ

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I found the discussions during the MFFLI Committee Meeting truly inspiring and motivating. I’m deeply impressed by the impact Merck Foundation has made in Nigeria, particularly the 81 scholarships for our young doctors in vital fields such as Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes and many more. I am also deeply passionate about girls’ education, and through the Educating Linda program, we are currently providing annual sponsorships to support the education of 71 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. I am happy to empower the deserving girls in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Nigeria during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/49RWT82

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I truly value this platform as it helps us share our progress and shape the way forward. Through our partnership with Merck Foundation, we’ve provided 52 scholarships for doctors in Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes care, and we are now look forward to expanding into additional critical specialties. We also remain committed to supporting girls’ education, with 40 deserving schoolgirls currently being benefiting from the Educating Linda program annual scholarships.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Liberia during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48vCAuQ

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized “As one of the early members of this esteemed platform, I remain committed to working closely with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity by supporting scholarships for our doctors. I’m also deeply invested in the ‘Educating Linda’ program, through which we’re sponsoring 40 underprivileged schoolgirls in our country. I look forward to expanding these initiatives to further amplify their impact.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Central African Republic during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4rvWL4r

H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m truly pleased to engage in meaningful discussions with my dear sisters on the impact of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I’m proud to share that we’ve provided 244 scholarships for Burundian doctors and will continue expanding this support across 44 critical specialties. We also deeply value the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships for 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Promoting girls’ education remains a shared priority for all of us.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Burundi during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4ao1VJp

The conference was held in a hybrid format and was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3K8379r), X (http://apo-opa.co/3K83913), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48cQp2e), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48Mu1gc).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/48cQq6i), X (http://apo-opa.co/4rxIXq3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48yTWXz), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XuA7LW).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary: https://apo-opa.co/49SorKy

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

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 better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, 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
  • 1100+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! 
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YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49SK0dM

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/3KANvv6), X (https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB).

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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Cameroon: African Development Bank Group approves €25 million trade finance facility to enable Crédit Communautaire d’Afrique-Bank expand support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved financing of €25 million to help Cameroon’s Crédit Communautaire d’Afrique-Bank (CCA-Bank) expand its trade finance offerings to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses.

The facility, approved at a Board session held on 1 December in Abidjan, will be deployed as a Transaction Guarantee (https://apo-opa.co/4pMGlTC), a Bank Group product that provides risk cover to eligible African banks for their trade finance transactions.

“The facility will support Cameroon’s economy by facilitating imports of equipment for the industrial, agro-industrial and telecommunications sectors. It will also enable the African Development Bank to provide up to a 100 percent guarantee to confirming banks, to facilitate the confirmation of letters of credit and other similar trade finance instruments issued by CCA-Bank for the benefit of SMEs in Cameroon,” explained Lamin Drammeh, Head of the Bank Group’s Trade Finance Division.

Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the Bank’s Central Africa region, emphasised that the operation was in line with the institution’s ambition to increase its direct interventions in favour of the private sector in Cameroon. “It will strengthen CCA-Bank’s capacity to support the activities of SMEs, including those owned by women and young people, to boost the local productive sector, facilitate economic growth, and create and maintain thousands of jobs,” he said.

Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, Managing Director of CCA-Bank, welcomed this debut direct financing support from the African Development Bank Group: “We would like to express our gratitude to the African Development Bank Group for this important trade finance facility. This strategic partnership marks a major milestone for our institution and will significantly strengthen our capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs and start-ups in Cameroon and Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the AfDB Transaction Guarantee: 
The Transaction Guarantee is a trade finance instrument put in place by the African Development Bank to support commercial banks in Africa. It was launched in 2021 and covers a variety of trade finance instruments, including confirmed letters of credit, commercial loans, irrevocable repayment undertakings, endorsed drafts and promissory notes, among others. The facility is available to all banks registered and operating in Africa that have passed the African Development Bank’s due diligence process.

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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South Africa needs to rethink how it measures intellectual and developmental disabilities – what’s lacking

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lieketseng Ned, Lecturer, Stellenbosch University

The effective planning and delivery of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Africa is severely constrained by the lack of reliable data.

Intellectual disability is characterised by significant limitations in:

  • intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving)

  • adaptive behaviour (a range of everyday social and practical skills)

which originate before the age of 22.

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of chronic conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behaviour areas. Intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome are some of the conditions.

South Africa measures disability at population level using the Washington Group Short Set of six functional questions. This ensures international comparability. But it doesn’t adequately capture intellectual and development disabilities. This is because the questions only capture difficulties in doing basic activities. They don’t capture a diagnosis. It’s therefore difficult to know what diagnoses have led people to report difficulties.

This makes disaggregation by disability diagnosis difficult. Data disaggregation by disability types is key. It contributes to effective policy, resource allocation and budgeting as well as appropriate intervention and targeted services.

This article builds on our work researching disability in South Africa for over 10 years.

In it, we propose pragmatic steps to improve the ability to monitor the status of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. South Africa can add to the evidence base by producing robust, actionable metrics that strengthen population data. In turn this will enhance planning and implementation.

Current measurement landscape

Disability measurement in South Africa rests on two main pillars.

The first is administrative records. These include:

These all provide useful service-level insights. But they only capture people already in contact with services. And they use different coding standards.

The second pillar is population-based surveys. These include Washington Group questions on disability. This generates internationally comparable prevalence estimates. But this measurement doesn’t include children under 5 years. The nature of the questions also means that a wide range of predominantly invisible disabilities are missed.

For children, the Washington Group/Unicef Child Functioning Module is internationally recognised as a valid measure for 2–17 year olds. It is available and recommended. But it’s still not widely implemented in South Africa.

As a result, the current system remains inadequate in reliably disaggregating data by disability type, age, severity or onset.

Measurement limitations

Population-based measures of functioning don’t provide a diagnosis. It is therefore difficult to identify people with intellectual and developmental disability within the data.

Additionally, the Washington Group does not ask about psychosocial functioning. An example of such a question could be: Do you have difficulty forming relationships?. Relying on it alone may undercount many people whose primary impairments are cognitive, adaptive or psychosocial.

Ideally, it would be beneficial to have both the diagnosis and the functional profile.

National reporting also leaves an important early-childhood blind spot. Infants and many toddlers (0–4 years) are not captured in the same way as older children and adults. Yet this is the period when early detection and intervention can have the most impact. The Washington Group/Unicef measure improves data for children from 2 to 4 years. But it isn’t embedded in the country’s data collection platforms.

Data on young children are further limited by uneven developmental surveillance and the narrow use of the Road to Health Booklet. The booklet serves as a comprehensive record of a child’s medical history, health status, growth and development.

Administrative records are also inconsistently coded and weakly linked. This makes them an unreliable source of data on type of disability. Single-item indicators (for example, “difficulty communicating”) risk misclassification unless analysed alongside onset and other related functioning.

What is possible?

The question that we asked in our recently completed country assessment in collaboration with Special Olympics South Africa is:

how does one use data on the functioning profile to understand diagnosis and vice versa?

Such a crosswalk would allow identification of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the data. As an initial step, we created and used a composite indicator. This could potentially assist in identifying people 5 years and older.

For each dataset, we used a combination of the already existing Washington Group Short Set variables to create the new “With intellectual and developmental disabilities” variable.

This was followed by running cross-tabulations of the “with possible intellectual and developmental disabilities” versus “without intellectual and developmental disabilities” with a number of other health-related variables. These cross-tabulations were used to identify gaps in accessing health care services.

We acknowledge that this is an imperfect measure. But it provides a starting point to try and understand the trends in access to health care.

Next steps

We recommend the following:

  • Amend survey instruments to include the Washington Group alongside diagnosis questions for those under five.

  • Do research to understand the functional profile of people with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities based on their responses to the Washington Group Short Set.

  • Expand training for field staff on the new modules. This should include interviewing techniques.

  • Ensure national and subnational coordination.

  • Publish detailed breakdowns by disability type, by age group (including under 5), and by region.

– South Africa needs to rethink how it measures intellectual and developmental disabilities – what’s lacking
– https://theconversation.com/south-africa-needs-to-rethink-how-it-measures-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-whats-lacking-268497