MERCK FOUNDATION REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS EQUITABLE FERTILITY CARE

By Hamu Madzedze

Merck Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated safe and equitable fertility care.

In a statement to 365HealthDiaries the foundation said through its campaign "More than a Mother "they have initiated a cultural shift to destigmitise infertility at all levels by improving awareness .

"The campaign defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility"said The Merck Foundation.

The foundation said through the "More than a Mother movement they have managed to initiate a cultural shift to de-stigmatise infertility at all levels through improving awareness ,training local experts and media in the field of fertility care and building advocacy .

"In cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders we are supporting childless women to start their own small businesses",said Merck Foundation.

"The movement is also providing training for fertility specialists and Embryologists to build advance fertility care capacity in Africa , Asia and developing countries" revealed the foundation.

Merck Foundation pointed out that they strive to ensure every woman is respected and given the help they deserve in order to lead a fulfilling life with or without a child.

Meanwhile the foundation added that the" Educating Linda" program launched in 2019 will continue contributing towards the future of young African girls who are high achievers in the academic field but underprivileged through awarding them scholarships and grants .

"Since the launch of the program underprivileged girls from Burundi, Central African Republic ,DRC ,Ghana ,The Gambia, Liberia ,Malawi,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Zambia and Zimbabwe have been awarded scholarships to allow them to pursue their dreams" said the organisation.

"Educating Linda" program is a pan-African program that is tailored for each country to contribute to the future of young African girls who are brilliant but underprivileged .