Ghana will be hosting the 6th edition of the Merck Africa-Asia Luminary in Accra come October 2019.
The event spearheaded by the Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck Germany will be co-chaired by Rebecca Akufo Addo, First Lady of Ghana and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo will officially inaugurate the “Merck Africa Asia Luminary”event to be hosted on the 29th & 30th of October 2019.
The occasion is expected to have African First Ladies and Ministers of Health, Gender, Information and Education from 20 African countries attending the conference; More than 1000 healthcare providers and policy makers from 60 countries will also benefit from the Luminary.
“Together with First Ladies Of Africa and Ministers of different sectors, we will work on strong strategy to build healthcare capacity and provide the necessary training to establish a strong platform of experts in Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer and Fertility care in their countries and define interventions to break infertility stigma.
During the two days Luminary, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee will be conducted to discuss different topics of discussion, follow up, monitoring and decisions.” Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized.
She said Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG will inaugurate the luminary and will participate in the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee which will conducted during the two-dayd Luminary.
“More than 1000 Healthcare providers, policy makers, academia, researchers and health media from Sub- Saharan Africa, more than 60 English, French and Portuguese speaking countries will benefit from the two days conference to benefit from valuable educational and social development sessions by top International experts in Diabetes, Fertility, Oncology and women health, Cardiology,” she added.
Dr. Rasha Kelej said the aim is to raise health awareness and improve disease management, early detection and prevention, build healthcare capacity and improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across the continent.
“During the Inauguration Session on the 29th of October, a High–Level Ministerial Panel will be conducted where the Ministers of Health, Information, Gender, Education & Science will share solutions and activities to help in Building Healthcare Capacity. Also, there will be a discussion about the challenges & solutions of Infertility, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension care in Africa and Asia,” she stated.
During the conference, Merck Foundation will also mark an important occasion; the 2nd Anniversary of Merck Foundation.
Moreover, winners of ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ Media Recognition, Fashion and Film Awards of Ghana will be announced during the Award ceremony on 29th of October.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri