By Sainabou Sambou
The Gambia welcomed global leaders, First Ladies, health experts, and media professionals to the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, a two-day conference held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul. Co-chaired by First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow and organized in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, the event focused on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and promoting responsible journalism across Africa and Asia.
The Luminary brought together distinguished guests, including First Ladies from Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal, alongside Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation, and CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej. The conference served as a platform to advance discussions on healthcare capacity building, women’s empowerment, and ethical health reporting.
In her opening address, First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow described the event as “a gathering of sisters, advocates, and champions of progress.” She emphasized the critical role of healthcare in ensuring dignity and opportunity for all. “Health is not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of opportunity—the chance for every individual to live a full and dignified life,” she said. Highlighting The Gambia’s partnership with Merck Foundation, she noted that 94 Gambian doctors have received scholarships to specialize in fields such as oncology, fertility, pediatrics, and respiratory care, addressing critical shortages in medical expertise.
Madam Bah-Barrow also underscored the importance of responsible journalism in combating health misinformation. “Journalists have the power to inform, educate, and inspire action, but they must be equipped to do so ethically and accurately,” she said, referencing dedicated sessions on health journalism during the conference.
Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow, speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow, praised the African First Ladies for their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. “Through your tireless initiatives, you have ensured that children receive education, mothers have access to proper healthcare, and once-forgotten communities now have a voice,” he said. He commended Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” initiative for raising awareness about infertility and women’s health. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to policies like free education for girls and increased female representation in leadership.
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp thanked The Gambia for hosting the landmark event, describing the nation as “a land of warmth, hospitality, and rich culture.” He highlighted Merck Foundation’s impact since 2012, providing over 2,400 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical medical specialties, including oncology and fertility care. “Before our programs, many African countries had no specialists. Today, our alumni are often the first specialists in their nations,” he said, noting The Gambia’s 94 scholarships as a “transformational achievement” in patient care.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Foundation’s role in producing the first specialists in countries like The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. She praised First Lady Bah-Barrow’s leadership in the “More Than a Mother” campaign, which addresses infertility stigma and promotes girls’ education. “Together, we are transforming healthcare and giving new hope to communities across Africa,” Dr. Kelej said.
The conference featured sessions on healthcare capacity building, women’s empowerment, and media training, aligning with Merck Foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. The “More Than a Mother” campaign, championed by African First Ladies, was a focal point, emphasizing gender equality and access to education.
Marking 13 years of Merck Foundation’s operations, the 12th Luminary underscored the power of partnerships in addressing global health challenges. Prof. Stangenberg-Haverkamp concluded, “By building healthcare capacity and empowering women, we are leading the world toward a healthier and more equitable future.” The event reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to advancing healthcare and empowerment, setting a precedent for collaborative progress across Africa and Asia.
