Tanzania hosts 11th Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is gearing up to host the prestigious 11th Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary, set for October 29-30, 2024.

This major event will spotlight critical issues such as maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and initiatives to build capacity in the health sector across Africa and Asia.

The minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, highlighted the significance of the meeting.

She emphasised that it will contribute to strengthening the country’s social and healthcare services.

“This conference will cover four major professional topics, along with media training related to health. The discussions will include maternal and child health, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, development plans, capacity building, and health media training,” said Dr Gwajima.

She further explained that the event will pave the way for new commitments from First Ladies, ministers, and the Merck Foundation team to create more equitable healthcare solutions for African nations, particularly those attending the conference, including Tanzania.

“The participants will gain valuable insights and experiences from experts and researchers who will delve deeply into these topics, aiming to increase public awareness about healthcare, including non-communicable diseases, respiratory illnesses, and other health challenges,” she added.

On Tanzania’s selection to host the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, Dr Gwajima attributed it to the dedicated efforts of the sixth-phase government and previous administrations in investing in the health sector, particularly in maternal and child health.

This commitment aligns with global goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Tanzania was also chosen due to its peaceful and stable environment, which provides the perfect setting for participants, including various leaders, to engage fully in the conference.

Additionally, the exemplary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also played a vital role in this recognition,” Dr Gwajima stated.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and former Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merk KG, Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, noted that the Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries across 42 underserved and critical medical specialities.

“With the support of African governments, we have been selecting medical doctors and providing them with specialised training in fields such as oncology, fertility, and diabetes, enabling them to serve their countries in these critical areas,” Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp said.

He added that the Merck Foundation is also driving a cultural shift by addressing and breaking the silence surrounding various health issues affecting Africa’s underserved communities.

On the other hand, CEO of the Merck Foundation, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, highlighted that the 11th edition of the event will focus on advocacy for empowering women, supporting girls’ education, and addressing stigmas related to fertility. It will also emphasise the importance of building healthcare capacity in Africa.

“We have awarded 62 scholarships to Tanzanian doctors in 42 medical and critical specialties. Additionally, we have provided scholarships for 45 girls from both Tanzania and Zanzibar,” Dr Kelej shared.

She further stressed that education for girls is a key solution to combating child marriage, infertility, gender-based violence, and other related challenges.