Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has encouraged African First Ladies to intensify efforts in building healthier and more inclusive societies for national development.

She emphasised that Africa must aspire to greatness by uniting public and private partnerships, combining compassion with expertise, and ensuring that every life, no matter how remote or marginalised, can flourish.

Addressing the opening of the 2025 Merck Foundation Africa First Lady Initiative Platform in Dubai on Wednesday, Mrs. Mahama said the Merck Foundation talent programme had empowered 110 Ghanaian youth in fields such as music, ICT, filmmaking, and fashion to recognise their natural talents and pursue excellence

“I urge all of us to take this spirit home and increase our efforts to build healthier, more inclusive societies,” she urged.

The two-day summit marked the eighth anniversary of the Merck Foundation and the 13th anniversary of its development programmes, reflecting a legacy of impactful partnerships and support for vulnerable communities across Africa.

Mrs. Mahama expressed gratitude to Merck Foundation for “30 years of study support and empowering many people to heal, dream and rise.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration through the Lordina Foundation, particularly in enhancing health, education, and combatting stigma in Ghana.

“Our partnership with you will deliver a lot to the benefit of our people,” she said.

Mrs. Mahama praised the Foundation’s role in transforming public health, girls’ education, and media in Africa, stating the need to “raise voices and break the silence that ensures every woman recognizes her worth and every child thrives in dignity and health.”

“I urge all of us to take this spirit home and increase our efforts to build healthier, more inclusive societies,” she said.

Mrs. Mahama joined 16 other African First Ladies to share experiences and solutions to common challenges.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, applauded the First Ladies for their commitment.

She said over 2,270 scholarships had been awarded to qualified doctors from 52 countries, covering 44 underserved specialties such as oncology, fertility care, cardiology, and trauma surgery.

Under the girls’ education programme, Senator Kelej said about 1,000 scholarships have been provided in over 17 countries, in partnership with First Ladies. “

“…. So this is very important as well, to create awareness about the impact and encourage others to join our platform,” she added.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, cited a 2021 WHO report showing Africa carries 24 per cent of the global disease burden, yet has only 2.91 healthcare workers per 1,000 people.

He said the human resources gap, worsened by the uneven distribution of the workforce between urban and rural areas, as well as between the public and private sectors, had significantly affected health outcomes.

“For instance, before the start of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, there was not a single oncologist, fertility or reproductive care specialist, but through the support of the Foundation and partners, it has significantly strengthened healthcare capacity in Africa,” he added.

The annual summit featured panel discussions, alumni testimonials, media engagement, and a conference dinner, attracting high-level delegates from across the continent.