Merck Foundation Luminary in The Gambia Drives 2026 Strategy Through First Ladies Platform

The Merck Foundation convened African and Asian First Ladies under its flagship Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) to evaluate programme impact and define a forward-looking strategy for 2026, placing healthcare capacity, girls’ education and social stigma reduction at the centre of its agenda.

The discussions formed a key part of the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, held in Banjul in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, alongside Merck Foundation Chairman, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.

Co-chaired by the First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the summit brought together First Ladies from Burundi, Central African Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe and Senegal as both partners and policy advocates.

The Luminary attracted nearly 1,600 participants across 52 countries, including healthcare providers, policymakers and media professionals. It also reached an additional 2.25 million online viewers from 53 countries, signalling a growing continental and global engagement with the Foundation’s development model.

At the centre of the second day was the MFFLI Committee Meeting, where First Ladies assessed national-level impact and aligned priorities for 2026. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej stated that the initiative continues to focus on strengthening healthcare and media capacity while addressing deeply rooted social and health challenges. These include infertility stigma, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, and rising non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Chairman Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp emphasised the significance of country-level progress, noting that the First Ladies’ testimonies reflect tangible outcomes from long-term investments in health systems and awareness campaigns.

In The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow highlighted measurable gains, including 94 scholarships awarded to Gambian doctors in critical specialties such as oncology and fertility care. She also underscored the Foundation’s investment in education through annual scholarships for 40 underprivileged girls.

Across participating countries, similar patterns of impact were reported. In Senegal, 29 scholarships have supported young doctors in fields including oncology, diabetes and embryology, alongside the rollout of community awareness programmes and continued investment in girls’ education through the Educating Linda initiative. In Nigeria, 81 scholarships have strengthened medical capacity while 71 girls currently benefit from annual educational sponsorships.

Liberia reported 52 medical scholarships across key specialties, while Burundi recorded one of the highest numbers, with 244 scholarships supporting healthcare professionals. São Tomé and Príncipe highlighted the introduction of both medical training programmes and education support for boys and girls under the Educating Linda and Lindo programmes.

Beyond capacity-building, the Foundation continues to expand its cultural and media-driven advocacy. During the conference, it launched a children’s storybook and animated film titled Ray of Hope, aimed at increasing awareness on cancer prevention and early detection, particularly in childhood cancer.

The Foundation’s broader impact reflects a dual strategy: strengthening healthcare systems while reshaping social narratives. Over 3,700 media professionals from more than 35 countries have been trained to report on sensitive health and social issues. Its creative outreach includes songs, films, fashion initiatives and multilingual children’s books designed to shift public perception.

Education remains a cornerstone of this approach, with over 1,100 scholarships awarded annually to high-performing but underprivileged African schoolgirls across 18 countries. The Foundation also maintains a strong digital presence, with more than 8.5 million followers across its social media platforms.

The Merck Foundation’s model demonstrates a coordinated approach that links political leadership, healthcare investment and cultural influence. By positioning First Ladies as both advocates and implementers, the initiative continues to operate at the intersection of policy, public health and social transformation.

As African countries continue to navigate systemic health and development challenges, platforms such as the MFFLI signal a shift towards locally anchored leadership and sustained investment in human capital. The scale of participation and measurable outcomes suggest that these interventions are not isolated projects but part of a broader recalibration of how development is driven across the continent.

In a region where health systems are still evolving and social barriers remain deeply entrenched, the significance of such initiatives lies not only in their outcomes but in their continuity. Africa’s progress is often incremental, shaped by long-term commitment rather than short-term visibility. The work of the Merck Foundation and its partners reflects this reality, offering a steady and deliberate pathway towards stronger systems, informed societies and expanded opportunities for future generations.

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