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Source: Merck Foundation |

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) conducted a premier of their Television program “Our Africa” during her visit to Ghana

The TV program is being broadcasted on GH One TV Ghana, LNTV Liberia & AYV Sierra Leone and posted on all social media channels of Merck Foundation and TV channels

I have always believed that Fashion and Art are powerful tools to address and raise awareness on pressing and sensitive social and health issues

ACCRA, Ghana, August 17, 2022/APO Group/ --

“Because I want to Be” TV program was launched by the Office of First Lady of Ghana and Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com) at the same time; Merck Foundation “No More Diabetes” song and New Children Storybook, “Sugar Free Jude” launched by Merck Foundation; Merck Foundation met their Alumni from Accra, Ghana to network and discuss their scholarship issues; during the launch, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej also felicitated the winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than A Mother’ and ‘Mask Up With Care’ Media Awards 2021 and ‘More Than A Mother’ Fashion Awards 2020 & 2021.

CEO of Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany launched “Our Africa” TV Program during an exclusive premiere in Ghana. “Because I Want to Be” TV Program by The Office of the First Lady of Ghana was also launched during the same premier.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift about wide range of social and health issues across Africa. The show is co-hosted by Brian Mulondo from Uganda.

The TV program is being broadcasted on GH One TV GhanaLNTV Liberia & AYV Sierra Leone and posted on all social media channels of Merck Foundation and TV channels. “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” was also broadcasted on KTN Kenya and NTV Uganda.

“I am very happy to be here in Ghana and launch “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a first-of-its-kind TV program that is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence about many critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Importance of early detection & prevention of Diabetes, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, promoting a Healthy Lifestyle, Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Coronavirus Health Awareness, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sustainability, and many more”.

“I have always believed that Fashion and Art are powerful tools to address and raise awareness on pressing and sensitive social and health issues in our beloved Africa and beyond. Fashion and Art have a purpose beyond just entertainment and looking good and we must make the most out of these platforms to advocate for the causes we work towards every day. Hence, I came up with the idea of this informative yet entertaining show. The TV program is doing extremely well and is receiving a lot of love from its audience and also our social media followers”, added Dr. Kelej.

The show is broadcasting on the following TV channels:

- Every Sunday @ 2 pm on (GMT) GH One TV, Ghana; re-runs on Monday @ 1:30 pm (GMT)
- Every Saturday @ 6 pm (GMT) on LNTV, Liberia; re-run on Sunday @ 4:30 pm (GMT)
- Every Wednesday @ 4.30 pm (GMT) on AYV, Sierra Leone

“Because I want to Be” TV Program was also launched by the Office of the First Lady of Ghana in partnership with Merck Foundation, as part of the "Educating Linda" program. This program helps young girls who are unprivileged but brilliant to continue their education.

During the ceremony, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation also launched a Song  - “No More Diabetes” sung by Cwesi, a popular singer from Ghana; and also a Children’s Storybook – “Sugar Free Jude”. “I am very excited to present to you Merck Foundation’s new song – No More Diabetes and a brand new children’s storybook – Sugar Free Jude, both have been launched with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness on the early detection and prevention of Diabetes. I hope everyone likes this song and enjoys reading this new Storybook”, said Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Listen to the song here: https://bit.ly/3C5K217

Read Sugar Free Jude storybook here: https://bit.ly/3PsepSf

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana has provided scholarships to more than 100 young doctors from Ghana in critical and underserved specialties such as - Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology & Fertility specialty and much more. 

Moreover, during the ceremony, Merck Foundation CEO also felicitated the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 & 2020 from Ghana. She also announced the Call for Applications for 2022 awards in partnership with Ghana First Lady, announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards for Ghanian Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Winners from Ghana in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign are:

MERCK FOUNDATION MEDIA RECOGNITION AWARDS “MORE THAN A MOTHER” 2021

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The SpectatorGHANA

SECOND Position:

  • Jonathan Donkor, Ghanaian TimesGHANA
  • Efia Akese, The MirrorGHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Yaw Asirifi-Twum, Freelance JournalistGHANA

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • Zadok Kwame Gyes, Daily Graphic / Graphic OnlineGHANA

SECOND Position:

  • Neta Kris Abiana Parsram And Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, Multimedia Group LimitedGHANA
  • Benedicta Gyimaah Folley, Ghanaian TimesGHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Agnes Opoku Sarong, New Times CorporationGHANA

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • Nyadror Adanuti Nelson, Diamond FMTamale (Northern Region)GHANA

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS:

SECOND Position:

  • Akua Oforiwa Darko, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Beatrice Senadju, Ghana Broadasting CorporationGHANA

MERCK FOUNDATION “MASK UP WITH CARE” MEDIA RECOGNITION AWARDS 2021

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, GHANA

SECOND Position:

  • Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyema, New Times Corporation (Ghanaian Times/The Spectator), GHANA
  • Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah, The Spectator Newspaper, GHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Efia Akese, The Mirror, GHANA
  • Benedicta Gyimaah Folley, Ghanian Times, GHANA

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • Prosper Kwame Kuorsoh, Ghana New Agency, GHANA

SECOND Position:

  • Prince Kwame Tamakloe, Rainbow Radio Int and Zami Report, GHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Mavis Offei Acheampong, GHANA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (GBC), GHANA

RADIO CATEGORY

FIRST Position:

  • Mavis Offei Acheampong, GHANA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (GBC), GHANA

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS:

FIRST Position:

  • WENDY LARYEA, TV3 Network Ltd., GHANA

SECOND Position:

  • Clara Mlano, Ghana Broadasting Corporation, GHANA

THIRD Position:

  • Beatrice Spio-Garbrah, TV3, GHANA

MERCK FOUNDATION FASHION AWARDS “MORE THAN A MOTHER” 2021

  1. Solace Akos Sakah
  2. Linda Mensah
  3. Destinee Mouanda Biyeri
  4. Pwatani Theresa
  5. David Kwabena Appaih
  6. Catherine Natang

MERCK FOUNDATION FASHION AWARDS “MORE THAN A MOTHER” 2020

  1. Leticia Ashie Owusu
  2. Gifty Amonu Essel
  3. Kizito Ronald Jr
  4. Placid Leke
  5. Anuja Bharti
  6. Paul Akrofie
  7. Desmond Nhyira Amankonah

Details of the Awards:

1Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022

Click here (https://bit.ly/3QnYVjw) to view more details.

2Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022

Click here (https://bit.ly/3QLumnD) to view more details.

3Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022

Click here (https://bit.ly/3dBa0zn) to view more details.

4Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022

Click here (https://bit.ly/3dvnvQY) to view more details.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2022 “Diabetes & Hypertension”

Click here (https://bit.ly/3csdIun) to view more details.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2022 “Diabetes & Hypertension”

Submission deadline: 30th October 2022. Click here (https://bit.ly/3z55T5z) to view more details.

7Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2022 “Diabetes & Hypertension”

Submission deadline: 30th October 2022. Click here (https://bit.ly/3z7C0BJ) to view more details.

8Merck Foundation Song Awards 2022 “Diabetes & Hypertension”

Submission deadline: 30th October 2022. Click here (https://bit.ly/3JaxQNZ) to view more details.

“I invite entries from all African talents on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator Kelej.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More images: https://bit.ly/3QrxoO5

Contact Details:
Mehak Handa 
Community Awareness Program Manager 
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669  
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com 

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: bit.ly/3vKE8O2
Twitter: bit.ly/2TeOQNj
YouTube: bit.ly/3zc3up1
Instagram: bit.ly/3g6OYr3
Flicker: bit.ly/2Tay0Pu
Website: Merck-Foundation.com
Download the Merck Foundation App: bit.ly/3v7pf5Z

About ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign:
“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports in defining policies and interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education & Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for Fertility Specialists and Embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.

With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child. 

The Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are:

H.E. NEO JANE MASISI,
The First Lady of Botswana

H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

H.E FATIMA MAADA BIO, The First Lady of Sierra Leone

H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of Burundi

H.E. CLAR WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia

H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA, The First Lady of Zambia

H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic

H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi

H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe

H.E. ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO, The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville

H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique

H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, THE First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo

H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia

H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia

H.E. AISHA BUHARI, The First Lady of Nigeria

The Former First Lady of Burundi, H.E DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The Former First Lady of Chad, H.E. HINDA DÉBY ITNO, The Former First Lady of Guinea Conakry, H.E. CONDÉ DJENE, The Former First Lady of Malawi, H.E. PROFESSOR GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA, The Former First Lady of Niger, H.E AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU and The Former First Lady of Zambia, H.E. ESTHER LUNGU have worked successfully with Merck Foundation as Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassadors to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women in their countries.

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as;

  • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training
  • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards
  • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Film Awards
  • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Song Awards
  • Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it
  • Children storybook, localized for each country

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit Merck-Foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (bit.ly/32YFKpv), Twitter (bit.ly/2TeOQNj), Instagram (bit.ly/3g6OYr3), YouTube (bit.ly/3zc3up1) and Flicker (bit.ly/2Tay0Pu).