Merck Foundation highlights Burundi partnership at Africa Asia Luminary 2025
Merck Foundation brought together African and Asian leaders in healthcare and social development during the 12th edition of the Africa Asia Luminary conference, held in Banjul, The Gambia. The annual gathering was organized in partnership with the Government of The Gambia and focused on strengthening healthcare systems and advancing social transformation.
The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, alongside Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of More Than a Mother. First Ladies from Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal attended as guests of honor and keynote speakers.
Merck Foundation used the platform to highlight the growing partnership with Burundi, which began in 2020 and has since produced measurable healthcare gains. Dr. Kelej emphasized that 55 scholarships have been awarded to Burundian doctors across critical and underserved specialties.
Healthcare capacity gains in Burundi
The scholarships span oncology, fertility and embryology, diabetes, endocrinology, sexual and reproductive care, acute medicine, respiratory medicine, and preventive cardiovascular care. One graduate of the Diabetes Master program has already established Burundi’s first diabetes center, marking a milestone in national healthcare delivery.
H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, said the partnership has helped launch the country’s first public IVF center. Fertility specialists, embryologists, and technicians were trained through Merck Foundation programs, allowing infertile couples to access care within Burundi for the first time.
She also highlighted the Educating Linda initiative, which provides annual scholarships to 40 high-performing but underprivileged girls. The program aims to improve access to education while empowering young women to shape their futures.
Regional leadership and social advocacy
The conference opened with a plenary session featuring keynote speeches from African First Ladies and a ministerial panel discussion involving senior government officials. On the second day, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee met to review country impact reports and align future strategies.
Beyond healthcare training, Merck Foundation continues to address social challenges through advocacy and education. In partnership with Burundi’s First Lady, nine children’s storybooks have been launched to raise awareness about infertility stigma, girls’ education, gender-based violence, child marriage, and non-communicable diseases.
Merck Foundation has also conducted multiple health media training programs in Burundi, equipping journalists to amplify critical health and social messages. The organization announced applications for its annual awards recognizing excellence in media, music, fashion, film, and student advocacy.
Dr. Kelej said Merck Foundation has now provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 underserved medical specialties. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding scholarships and long-term partnerships in Burundi and across Africa and Asia.
