Liberia’s First Lady Katumu Boakai tells her fellow First Ladies that in order to feel the impacts of Merck Foundation programs, they we must unite.
“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 nations,” Madam Boakai said at the opening of the 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary
She emphasized that meetings as these are essential, as they facilitate the exchange of experiences and strengthen efforts.
Mrs. Boakai lauded the CEO of Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, for her comprehensive briefing on the ongoing Merck Foundation’s programs in Liberia and the strategic plans designed to enhance healthcare capacity, empower girls in education, and shatter the infertility stigma.
She said, “Now, let me say this, I am immensely proud to serve as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother campaign. This role enables me to champion the empowerment of infertile women through access to information, education, a change of mindset, and by supporting girls’ education thus strengthening our communities’ access to better and equitable healthcare and awareness.”
Merck Foundation is providing scholarships to our doctors to become the first specialists in our public healthcare sector, further elevating our national health standards.
To date, 47 scholarships have been granted to our doctors across various counties in Liberia. 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.
According to her, within just nine months under Liberia’s current dispensation, the Country has embarked on a sacred mission to reclaim the sanctity of motherhood. Inspired by the resilience and wisdom of the late Wangari Maathai of Kenya, who once declared, “We cannot be tired or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise and walk! We have risen to renovate and revitalize maternity wards throughout our nation. Our efforts are significantly reducing maternal mortality, transforming places of fear into sanctuaries of life and hope.”
“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,” she stated.
Moreover, MERCK Foundation has provided scholarships in critical areas such as Oncology, where first trained oncologists are now serving the public sector, and diabetes, where trained specialists are establishing clinics to combat this growing public health concern.
The first lady said, “I am pleased to announce that our Minister of Health, Louise Kpoto is one of Merck Foundation’s Alumna.”
“I am also delighted to announce that we have seven Liberian doctors joining us today, all of whom have benefited from the Merck Foundation’s scholarship program. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Merck Foundation for their support. With these achievements, our nation is confident in the success of these programs to effectively transform the landscape of patient care in Liberia,” she expressed.
“In the same spirit of gratitude, let me also share about the Educating Linda program, through which Merck Foundation is providing scholarships to 20 deserving but needy schoolgirls till they graduate. Through this program, we are giving them the opportunity to thrive, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the future of our nation,” Madam Boakai narrated.
Madam Boakai disclosed, “Together, after my strategic meeting with Dr. RashaKelej, 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.”
“Our journey is also 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 agenda. 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,” she noted.
Below are excerpts of her speech:
“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 that, 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.”
“As we conclude, let us reaffirm our relentless commitment to these noble causes, energized by the collective spirit and shared aspirations that bring us together at this 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.
“Thank you once again for the opportunity to share Liberia’s journey and our 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 opportunities than the ones we knew.”
“May our deliberations over these next 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.”
