The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025, attended by First Ladies from across Africa and Asia. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees; Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of MFFLI; and H.E. Dr. Gueta Selemané Chapo, First Lady of Mozambique and newly appointed Ambassador of Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” program.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “It was a privilege to welcome my dear sister H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO… During our meeting, we underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing 100 scholarships for local Mozambican doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties… We also discussed addressing critical social and health issues in the country including breaking the infertility stigma and supporting girl education. We also signed an MoU to underscore our long-term partnership.”
The First Lady of Mozambique added, “It was indeed a great pleasure to be a part of the prestigious conference… I am proud to share that 18 scholarships have been provided to our local doctors for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Infectious diseases, and Pain Management. We plan to provide a total of 100 scholarships through our partnership.”
On the second day, MFFLI committee meetings allowed the African and Asian First Ladies to share impact reports and discuss future strategies with Merck Foundation leadership. A strategy session between the Mozambican First Lady and Senator Dr. Kelej reaffirmed their MoU to continue programs and further develop healthcare and media capacity in Mozambique.
Senator Dr. Kelej noted, “Since 2012, Merck Foundation has been deeply committed to building healthcare capacity across Africa and beyond. To date, we have provided 2,280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Very soon, we will be enrolling more doctors from Mozambique in various specialties, through our partnership with the First Lady and the Ministry of Health.”
Merck Foundation also announced a call for applications for eight awards in partnership with the First Lady of Mozambique, targeting media professionals, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and emerging talents.