Merck Foundation strengthens healthcare, education, and women empowerment programs in Mauritius

During her visit, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, met Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, to discuss the impact of the foundation’s programs and long-term commitment to healthcare and women empowerment.

The visit highlighted the foundation’s 100 scholarships for Mauritian doctors in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aiming to enhance expertise in critical and underserved specialties. Dr. Kelej also emphasized improving access to innovative healthcare solutions and supporting women in STEM.

Empowering Women and Supporting Education

As part of the ongoing partnership, the Merck Foundation launched the “Educating Linda Program” in Mauritius to support 20 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls, helping them complete their studies and reach their full potential.

Dr. Kelej highlighted the foundation’s dedication to transforming public healthcare, stating:
“Together with the Ministry, we aim to provide specialized training for Mauritian doctors in emerging fields such as Stem Cell Therapy, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in Radiology, Radiotherapy, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Neurology, and more.”

The 100 scholarships cover one-year PG Diplomas and two-year Master Degrees in areas including Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Pediatrics, and Critical Care, among others. To date, Merck Foundation has awarded more than 2,280 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries, helping many become the first specialists in their fields.

Training and Media Awareness Programs

Merck Foundation also conducted the 4th edition of the Health Media Training for Mauritian media representatives, co-chaired with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. The program focused on using media to address social and health issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, women empowerment, ending child marriage, stopping FGM, and raising awareness about diabetes and hypertension.

During the session, eight awards were announced, including:

• Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – for media contributions raising awareness about social issues.

• Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 – for students and designers promoting social awareness through fashion.

• Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 – for African filmmakers creating impactful films on social or health issues.

• Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 – for musical projects promoting awareness on health or social issues.

Awards on diabetes and hypertension awareness were also announced in similar categories.

Dr. Kelej concluded:
“We are committed to long-term partnerships in Mauritius to empower women, improve healthcare, and equip doctors with the latest training, ultimately creating a lasting impact on society.”