Tanzanian Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan has applauded efforts by Merck, a leading science and technology company, which are aimed towards addressing issues on women empowerment and healthcare, stating it they come at an opportune time in the country.
During a high level meeting between Her Excellency Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Rasha Kelej the CEO of Merck Foundation, the VP said that Tanzania welcomes Merck Foundation and are looking forward to partner with such reputable and serious organization to empower women, youth ,healthcare and science.
“We acknowledge the role Merck foundation plays in healthcare capacity building in Africa and welcome their work in Tanzania, especially campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness on infertility.
“I will personally work with Merck to empower underprivileged women socially and economically across Tanzania and the rest of the world to create a culture shift needed to respect and appreciate women as productive members in society whether they are mothers or not,” the VP added .
The Merck foundation has subsequently committed to a long term partnership with Government of Tanzania to build healthcare capacity and improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions across the country as part of their CSR programs across Africa.
"Merck foundation will focus on empowering infertile women through access to information, awareness, health, change of mindset and economic empowerment across the country through their Merck more than a Mother campaign,” said Dr Rasha Kelej the CEO of Merck Foundation in a statement.
The campaign which encourages media and other stakeholders to publish and submit print/ online articles, videos and radio programs on issues surrounding infertility was launched in Tanzania in June. Winners are expected to walk away with prize money ranging from $1000 to $5000.
“The prevalence of infertility is so high in Africa , one every four couple in reproductive age suffers from infertility and yet around 85% of those cases are due to untreated infectious disease which can prevented, hence raising awareness about prevention through local media and social media is very critical” Rasha Kelej said.
“Raising awareness about male infertility as the infertility affects women and men equally and yet women are the ones being solely blamed, discriminated and mistreated in their communities. The campaign will address this topic and encourage men to discuss openly their infertility and share the journey of infertility diagnosis and treatment with their wives” Kelej added.
On another note, Merck will also focus on providing one year and two years surgical and Pediatric oncology fellowship program in India, Europe and University of Nairobi, for Tanzanian doctors to improve the cancer care in the country.
Merck recently launched its inaugural “Merck More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards in order to award journalists and media students in East Africa who have done compelling, educative and informative stories that have shaped the conversation on infertility in Africa.
The Gala award ceremony is expected to be held in October 2017.
The aim of the Awards is to raise awareness about the critical role the media can play in breaking the stigma around infertility. It also aims to change the culture of discrimination and abuse of infertile women while educating the public about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In addition, the campaign aims to encourage men to discuss their infertility condition openly, support their wives through the journey of testing and treatment.
To know more about Merck foundation programs and their training and fellowship opportunities, please visit their website www.merck-foundation.com and www.merckmorethanamother.com
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