Merck Foundation, the philanthropic organisation that aims to improve the health and well-being of people and advance their lives through science and technology, has launched a series of programmes aimed at addressing the issue of stigma and discrimination attached to infertility in the country.
The series of programmes include the sixth edition ofa high level health conference dubbed ‘Merck Africa Asia Luminary’, which will be held in Accra on October 29 to 30, 2019 under the auspices of the office of the first lady and The Rebecca Foundation.
The two-day conference to be co-chaired by Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej and Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, will have in attendance more than 1,000 healthcare providers, policymakers, academia and researchers from over 60 African and Asian countries.
It will provide the platform for discussions and presentations aimed at improving disease management, early detection and prevention and build healthcare and scientific research capacity and improve access to equitable healthcare solutions Across Africa.
Aside the conference, the foundation will also partner the Ghanaian creative industry and the media to address infertility stigma in the country.
Consequently, the foundation will be working with both the National Film & Television Institute (NAFTI) and the Ghana Fashion Academy to come up with songs, movies and innovative ideas to reach the youth with messages on breaking the stigma of infertile women.
It will also work with the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) to organise media training, which will be followed by an awards ceremony to recognise journalistic work to raise awareness about infertility prevention and breaking the stigma surrounding the health condition.
Journalists in the country have till June 2019 to submit their works – multimedia, print, online and radio – to mystory@merckmorethanamother.com. The winners will be announced during the sixth edition of Merck Africa Asia Luminary.
Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Dr. Rasha Kelej both pledged to support this cause through innovative idea that engages all sectors to create a culture shift and make a great impact in a short time.
“As partners, Ghana is looking forward to celebrating the second anniversary of Merck, as we host the sixth edition of Merck Africa Asia Luminary in Accra, Ghana,” Mrs. Akufo-Addo stated.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri