Achieving ExcellenceTogether,Merck Foundation Recognises Exceptional Talent:2024 Winners of Best Female Researchers and Young African researchers .

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe

Merck Foundation has announced the winners of the Organisation’s Africa Research Summit (MARS)winners in the African Category The 5 winners from different categories have been recognized under two categories which are Best African Women Research and Best Young African Researchers.

The CEO and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej said since 2016 they have taken immense pride in recognizing African researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and girls in the area of Science,Technology ,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with focus on the role of Scientific Research in Women’s Health and Reproductive Care. Dr Kelej added that these awards celebrate the winners significant contributions to research particularly highlighting the efforts of African women researchers who remain under presented in this field

“Through the MARS awards our mission is to empower young researchers and to specifically encourage and support women researchers by enhancing their capabilities and promoting their vital role in STEM” said Dr Kelej.

The CEO also highlighted that the winners for both the African Women Research and Best Young African Researchers will be enrolled into research training at a premier research institute in India. She reiterated Merck’s Foundation to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the patient care landscape and making history together with it's partners in Africa, Asia and beyond through providing 2080 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

MARS 2024 award winners in the Best Women African Researchers are as follows 1st prize was scooped by Nompumelelo Lebogang Malaza from South Africa while second position went to Dorothea Obiri from Ghana.

In the category for MARS Best Young African Researchers Award 2024 first prize went to Jules Irenge Mongane and the second prize was awarded to Christian Chassem Lapue from Gabon and Gebrhud Berihu Haile from Ethiopia.