BANJUL, The Gambia, October 15, 2025 — The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025, one of the continent’s most influential healthcare and development conferences, opened in The Gambia under the distinguished leadership of H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation.
The 12th edition of the event was officially inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees.
The high-level event also welcomed First Ladies from Burundi, Central African Republic, Liberia, São Tomé & Príncipe, and Senegal, who participated as Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers.
More than 6,000 delegates, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and media representatives from over 70 English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries, joined the hybrid conference, marking another milestone in Merck Foundation’s mission to transform healthcare access and build capacity across 44 underserved medical specialties.
A Vision for Sustainable Healthcare and Empowerment
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Vice President Mr. Muhammad B. S. Jallow commended the strong partnership between The Gambia and the Merck Foundation, saying:
“It is a great honour to inaugurate the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 in The Gambia.
The collaboration between our First Lady and Merck Foundation has significantly advanced health, education, and empowerment in our country — inspiring hope for a stronger and more inclusive future.”
Co-chair Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the shared commitment:
“Hosting this year’s Luminary in The Gambia alongside my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, symbolizes our collective dedication to transforming patient care and empowering communities across Africa.
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 brings together global leaders to drive collaboration and action on healthcare innovation, social inclusion, and education.”
H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign, noted the tangible results of this collaboration:
“Together with Merck Foundation, we have awarded 94 scholarships to Gambian doctors in more than 30 underserved specialties.
These specialists are transforming our public health system and making history as pioneers in their fields.”
Thirteen Years of Impact and Partnership
The 12th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 also marked 13 years of development programs under Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany.
Since 2012, the Foundation has empowered over 2,400 doctors from 52 countries through scholarships in critical specialties such as oncology, diabetes, fertility, and cardiovascular care.
“Many of our alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors — the First Ladies of Africa — we are rewriting history and reshaping the future of healthcare on the continent,” said Senator Dr. Kelej.
A Platform for Policy, Science, and Social Change
The two-day conference featured ministerial panels, scientific workshops, and community awareness sessions addressing key areas such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory care, emergency medicine, and neonatal health.
Journalists also participated in the Health Media Training, focused on tackling social issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, infertility stigma, and girls’ education.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, praised the spirit of collaboration:
“We deeply appreciate the support of The Gambia’s government and our African partners. Together, we are realizing Merck Foundation’s vision that everyone deserves to live a healthy and happy life.”
The Foundation also celebrated its global media and social initiatives, including:
3,700 journalists trained from 35 countries to promote awareness of health and social issues.
950 scholarships awarded to underprivileged schoolgirls to help them complete their education.
30 advocacy songs, eight storybooks, and seven animated films addressing health and equality.
The “Our Africa” TV program, using fashion and art to spark dialogue on healthcare and empowerment.
Global Representation and the Road Ahead
Countries participating physically included The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, and Uganda, while delegates from over 50 other nations joined virtually.
This year’s Luminary also featured the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative, streamed live across Merck Foundation’s social media platforms, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to build healthcare capacity, empower women, and strengthen education.
With each edition, the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary continues to drive progress across the African continent and beyond, embodying the Foundation’s core mission — to empower people through access to equitable healthcare, education, and opportunity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
📧 [email protected] | ☎ +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
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