24 Jul 2024

The Merck Foundation has been praised for transforming patient care and giving Batswana long, productive and healthy lives.

Speaking at  the foundation's programmes launch in Gaborone yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi lauded the Merck Foundation for its pivotal role in promoting healthy lives, which are critical to the country’s development. 

He also praised Merck Foundation for developing capacity, particularly for the girl-child, whom he said faced more disadvantages than her male counterpart. “This initiative fosters education for the girl-child, helping dispel stereotypes and empowering young girls and women to achieve leadership positions,” he said.

The President also expressed gratitude towards the Merck Foundation for its focus on capacity building, as evidenced by the 46 scholarships granted to Botswana’s medical personnel.

“These scholarships, covering specialised disciplines like endocrinology, embryology, and fertility, are poised to revolutionise the healthcare sector and support women facing infertility challenges.” 

At the same event, First Lady Neo Masisi was unveiled as the Merck Foundation More than a Mother Ambassador, underscoring her commitment to improving women’s health and reproductive care. She commended the foundation for sponsoring 46 doctors to pursue advanced studies in various specialties, thereby enhancing access to equitable and quality healthcare in developing countries. 

She said 10 scholarships were availed to doctors, to study fertility programmes as well as one year diplomas and two year master's degrees in sexual and reproductive care.

This, Ms Masisi said would significantly improve women's health and reproductive care as well as contribute effectively to objectives of empowering infertile women.

Additionally, six scholarships were provided for acute medicine and respiratory care, a critical area for post-COVID- 19 care.

Another six scholarships had been awarded for postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees in dermatology, gastroenterology and internal medicine, Ms Masisi said.

"I am impressed because more often we have this general statement that gone are the days when professionals valued their work," Ms Masisi said and noted that the 46 had demonstrated a desire to perform.

In a bid to combat gender-based violence (GBV), Ms Masisi reiterated the foundation’s commitment to the cause and highlighted initiatives such as the donation of sewing machines to women during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts, she said  aligned with the foundation’s broader goal of promoting gender equality and supporting women’s rights.

She said statistics from the Family Planning Association indicated that over 2 000 women in Botswana had experienced some form of gender-based-violence.

Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, emphasised the transformative impact of the scholarships in training fertility specialists and addressing infertility issues affecting both men and women. Dr Kelej commended the dedication of the First Lady to girls’ education, recognising it as a cornerstone of women empowerment. 

“We empower women who live with infertility stigma. It's not wrong to be infertile, but as you know, infertility affects women and men equally, 50 per cent, scientifically. But men, most of the time, don't want to admit they are infertile,” she said.

Merck Foundation continues to champion healthcare capacity building and community empowerment, the Board of Trustees chairperson, Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, reaffirmed their dedication to improving overall health and wellbeing across Africa and beyond. The foundation’s commitment  to empowering people underscores its vision for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Minister of Health Dr Edwin Dikoloti emphasised the critical need for well-trained healthcare professionals to address the nation’s health challenges effectively. The minister commended the foundation’s endeavours in providing scholarships that equip health professionals with specialised knowledge and skills in critical medical fields such as diabetes, oncology, and respiratory care. 

 Merck Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. It works closely with partners that are Africa’s First Ladies, ministries of health and education among others in developing countries in Africa and Asia. ENDS