Mrs. Boakai Rallies Colleagues at Merck Foundation Event – ‘We Must Join Hands to Maximize Impact,’ She Says

By Garmah Lomo 

MONROVIA – Liberia’s First Lady, Mrs. Katumu Boakai, admonished fellow first ladies at kickoff off of the 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary that in order to feel the impacts of Merck Foundation programs, they must join hands together and share knowledge and information.

“My dear sisters, to maximize the impact of these programs, we must join hands, work tirelessly, and collaborate closely with each other and with the Merck Foundation to continue serving our respective nations,” she said in a statement at the occasion. “Meetings like this are essential, as they facilitate the exchange of experiences and strengthen our efforts.”

Mrs. Boakai lauded Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, for her comprehensive briefing on the ongoing Merck Foundation programs in Liberia and the strategic plans designed to enhance healthcare capacity, empower girls in education, and shatter the infertility stigma.

The Liberian first lady assured her counterparts she was proud to serve as the Ambassador of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign in Liberia, indicating that such a role enables her to champion the empowerment of infertile women through access to information, education, a change of mindset, and by supporting girl education—thus strengthening our communities’ access to better and equitable healthcare and awareness.

According to her Merck Foundation is providing scholarships to doctors to become the first specialists in Liberia’s public healthcare sector, further elevating the country’s national health standards.

“To date, 47 scholarships have been granted to our doctors across various counties in Liberia,” he divulged. “This includes 25 scholarships for Fertility and Embryology training, one-year postgraduate diplomas, two-year master’s degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Care, and Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology.”

This is a monumental achievement, significantly enhancing access to fertility and sexual and reproductive care for our populace First Lady Boakai added.

She reported that within just nine months under Liberia’s new leadership, the country has embarked on a sacred mission to reclaim the sanctity of motherhood.

The Liberian first lady stated: “Excellencies, I would like to congratulate you on the remarkable achievements and impact of your joint programs with Merck Foundation over the past seven years. Listening to your experiences has been truly inspiring, and it encourages both me and my team to scale up these programs in Liberia to benefit our nation as well.

“Moreover, MERCK Foundation has provided scholarships in critical areas such as Oncology, where our first trained oncologists are now serving our public sector, and Diabetes, where trained specialists are establishing clinics to combat this growing public health concern.”

She expressed her delight in announcing that “Our Minister of Health, Madam Louise Kpoto, is one of Merck Foundation Alumnus. I am also delighted to announce that we have seven Liberian Doctors joining us today, all of whom have benefited from the Merck Foundation scholarship program.”

First Lady Boakai thanked Merck Foundation for their support, adding, “With these achievements, our nation is confident in the success of these programs to effectively transform the landscape of patient care in Liberia.”

She also shared a story about the ‘Educating Linda’ program’, through which Merck Foundation is providing scholarships to 20 deserving but needy schoolgirls till they graduate.

“Through this program,” Madam Boakai said, “We are giving them the opportunity to thrive, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the future of our nation. Together, after my strategy meeting with Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation on Monday October 28,2024, we will also be launching various initiatives like awards, media training, and storybooks, aimed at raising awareness about vital social and health issues, including Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, and Diabetes and Hypertension awareness.”

She noted that the journey embarked upon is fortified by robust policy frameworks that advocate for and protect the rights of women and girls, ensuring they receive the ranking they rightfully deserve in our national agendas.

“We intensify our advocacy efforts to create an environment where women’s health issues are not only discussed but actively addressed at all levels of governance,” the first lady emphasized. “Today, as we chart the course for the future, let us draw inspiration from the relentless spirit of Amina J. Mohammed— from West Africa, Nigeria, who reminds us, “We don’t have the luxury of time. We must commit ourselves to action now. Let us, therefore, act with conviction and courage. Let us be the custodians of hope and the architects of a future where no woman or child is left behind.”

She reaffirmed her office’s relentless commitment to the noble causes, energized by the collective spirit and shared aspirations that bring everyone together at the conference.

“With the vision we share and the actions we undertake, I am optimistic that together, we will embody a powerful force for change—a force that will not only reshape the healthcare landscape but will also uplift entire communities across Africa,” Mrs. Boakai indicated.

She thanked organizers of the event for affording her the opportunity to share Liberia’s journey and aspirations.

“Together, let us continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can ensure that our daughters will inherit a world far richer in opportunities than the one we knew,” she stressed. “May our deliberations over the next few days ignite new initiatives and strengthen existing ones. And may our continued collaboration be a source of strength and innovation, as we build a healthier, more empowered Africa.”