Merck Foundation Reigns Supreme:Named NGO of the Year 2024

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health Editor ,Zimbabwe

The Merck Foundation has been recognised as the Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) of the Year 2024 for its outstanding contributions to healthcare,education and community development.

On receiving the accolade Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej said she is proud that the foundation has been voted as the NGO of the Year 2024 out of the list of 10 NGOs Leading Community Empowerment in Africa which were shortlisted by Avance Media.

Dr Kelej expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who voted for the foundation ,recognising the collective efforts to shape Africa's future through key sectors such as health,education and economic empowerment.

"This prestigious recognition fuels our passion to revolutionise patient care,drive cultural transformation,advocate for girls education, empower women and shatter the stigma surrounding infertility in Africa and beyond" said Dr Kelej.

She highlighted that they will remain steadfast in their commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities across Africa.

Dr Kelej expressed delight in contributing to the advancement of fertility care capacity in Africa and enhancing access to women's health services.

Since 2012 Merck Foundation together with their Ambassadors ,the First Ladies of Africa and Ministries of Health, Gender and Communication continues to transform patient care across Africa and bring cultural shift with regards to a wide range of social and health issues.

More than 2080 scholarships have been awarded to doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialities and through the foundation's Educating Linda program 700 scholarships have been given to young girls who are brilliant from Botswana,Burundi, Malawi,Ghana,The Gambia,Nigeria,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Ghana,Namibia,Democratic Republic of the Congo Niger amongst others.