Merck Foundation and First Lady of São Tomé Host 7th First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025
SÃO TOMÉ, September 22, 2025 – Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, convened the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in São Tomé. The high‑level gathering brought together H.E. Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside 13 First Ladies from Africa and Asia, to advance healthcare capacity, girl education, and social development programs.
The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg‑Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the First Ladies Initiative.
Strengthening Healthcare and Education
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the Foundation’s commitment:
“We are proud to provide scholarships for local doctors in Oncology and Diabetes Care, and through our Educating Linda program, we are sponsoring the education of 40 underprivileged but high‑performing schoolgirls until they graduate.”
H.E. Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, added:
“This partnership marks a transformative chapter for our country. Supporting 40 bright girls through Educating Linda is not just about education — it is about shaping the future of an entire generation. Equally important are our efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity with specialized scholarships.”
Summit Highlights
Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative with H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit
- Day 2 Committee Meeting: First Ladies from Africa and Asia shared impact reports of Merck Foundation programs in their countries and discussed future strategies.
- Media Training: Two editions of Online Health Media Training were conducted in partnership with the First Lady of São Tomé to highlight the role of media in addressing health and social issues.
- Awards Launch: Call for applications announced for eight awards in media, music, fashion, film, and student innovation.
- Children’s Storybooks: Seven storybooks launched in Portuguese, addressing infertility stigma, girl education, gender‑based violence, diabetes, and hypertension awareness.
Fact Sheet: Merck Foundation Impact
- 2,280+ scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties.
- 950+ scholarships for underprivileged African schoolgirls.
- 3,700+ journalists trained across 35 countries on health and social issues.
- 8 annual awards for media, fashion, film, and music to drive awareness.
- 30+ songs produced with African artists on health and social themes.
- 8 children’s storybooks in English, French, and Portuguese.
- 7 awareness animation films in five languages.
- Pan‑African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” using art and fashion to address social issues.
- 15 social media channels with over 8 million followers.
Multimedia
- Speech by the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe
- Merck Foundation CEO receiving the First Lady
- MFFLI Committee Meeting Video
- Inaugural Session Livestream
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
