By Hamu Madzedze
The Merck Foundation CEO and President of "More than a Mother "campaign Senator Dr Rasha Kelej said they will continue scaling up the number of scholarships in Kenya with the aim of creating a stronger platform of skilled medical professionals and strengthen the country's public healthcare system.
Speaking during the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit and Awards ceremony held in Nairobi Kenya Senator Dr Kelej said so far they have provided 165 scholarships to medical personnel in Kenya.
"I am happy to share that we are transforming the patient care landscape in Kenya through providing scholarships in Oncology,Fertility,Embryology,Diabetes,Preventative Cardiovascular ,Endocrinology,Sexual and Reproductive Care, Dematology,Neonatal Medicine ,Urology,Pain Management,Cardiology,Critical Care,Rheumatology"said Dr Kelej.
She added that for the past 12 years the foundation is committed towards healthcare capacity advancement ,patient care transformation and reshaping the landscape of the public healthcare sector in Kenya and the rest of Africa.
Senator Dr Kelej also highlighted that their TV program "Our Africa will be aired on KTN ,Kenya which is under The Standard Media Group stable one of the Foundation's long term partners.
"Our Africa is a first of its kind TV program which is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence on critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa such as breaking infertility stigma,importance of early detection and prevention of Diabetes ,supporting girl education,ending child marriages,promoting a healthy lifestyle,ending female genital mutilation and gender based violence"she said.
Dr Kelej said meeting the 2023 Merck Foundation Media Awards Winners from Kenya was amazing and gave her the opportunity to discuss with them the critical role the media plays in creating a culture shift and be the voice of the voiceless.
"Moreover it was amazing to meet the 9 winners of the Merck Foundation Media Awards 2023 from Kenya and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift ,be the voice of the voiceless and be the foundation's health and social champions" added Senator Dr Kelej.
Meanwhile the Foundation's Board of Trustees Chairman Professor Frank Strangenberg Haverkamp said empowering people leads to a better future and a good healthcare can transform the lives of individuals and families across developing countries.
"It can significantly contribute to economic and social development because healthcare is a major driver of economic growth and social progress"said Professor Haverkamp.
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