Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Banjul, The Gambia & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 28th July 2025:

  • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
  • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri1vnt7VM-M

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, commemorates World Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Day 2025 by reaffirming its commitment to transforming fertility and reproductive healthcare across Africa and Asia. Together with African and Asian First Ladies, who serve as Ambassadors of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation continues to break infertility stigma, build medical capacity, and empower childless women.

Empowering Infertile Women and Building Fertility Care Capacity in Africa & Asia

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” initiative, highlighted the organization’s mission:

“We celebrate World ART Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women through improved access to quality healthcare, education, and societal mindset shifts.”

Merck Foundation has awarded 716 scholarships in Embryology, Fertility, and Reproductive Care to young doctors across 41 African and Asian countries. Many of these doctors have become the first local experts in countries such as The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Sierra Leone, Niger, Liberia, Malawi, Congo, and Mozambique—where no prior fertility specialists or embryologists existed.

A Landmark Campaign: “More Than a Mother”

The “More Than a Mother” campaign aims to:

  • Build equitable reproductive and fertility care systems
  • End the stigma of infertility and childlessness
  • Raise awareness around male infertility and infertility prevention

To date, Merck Foundation has awarded 2,280 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties.

Of these:

  • 324 scholarships were for clinical and practical fertility training
  • 392 scholarships were for PG Diplomas and Master’s Degrees in specialties such as Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopy, Clinical Psychiatry, and more

Infertility Stigma: A Social Crisis in Developing Nations

According to the World Health Organization, over 180 million couples in developing countries—1 in every 4—suffer from infertility. In many African societies, the burden falls solely on women, often resulting in stigmatization, domestic abuse, and even divorce.

To address this, Merck Foundation launched the “Empowering Berna” initiative. This program supports infertile women who can no longer be treated by equipping them with vocational training and small business grants, helping them achieve financial independence and social dignity. Countries impacted include Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Niger, Malawi, Central African Republic, and others.

“Every woman deserves respect and support, whether or not she has children,” said Dr. Kelej.

Using Media, Music, and Storytelling to Drive Cultural Change

Merck Foundation has trained over 3,700 journalists and media professionals from more than 35 countries to raise awareness and challenge infertility myths.

Key Media Initiatives:

  • “More Than a Mother” Children’s Storybook – localized in English, French, and Portuguese and adapted into an animated film
  • “Our Africa” TV Show – conceptualized and hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, featuring African fashion designers, musicians, and medical experts
  • Music for Social Impact – Over 30 songs created by renowned African artists to fight infertility stigma

🎵 Popular Songs:

🎧 Listen to All Songs Here

📺 Watch “Our Africa” TV Episodes:

🎬 Watch the Animation Film

Creative Awards to Tackle Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation annually launches the “More Than a Mother” Awards in collaboration with African First Ladies. These awards invite media professionals, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, and students to submit their creative work addressing infertility, stigma, and social empowerment.

📩 Submit your entry to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Join the Movement

📱 Download the Merck Foundation App:
Download for iOS

🌍 Connect with Merck Foundation:

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