Merck Foundation Marks International Women's Day 2026 and Hosts 12th Africa Asia Luminary

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marked International Women's Day 2026 and hosted the 12th edition of its Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, reaffirming more than 14 years of committed action to empower women and girls. The foundation announced that it has provided more than 2,500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with almost half going to women.

On International Women's Day, the foundation's CEO said that empowering women and girls is not confined to a single day but is embedded in everything the foundation does, shaping its vision and guiding its programs. These programs include 'More Than a Mother', the 'Merck Foundation Scholarships Program', 'Educating Linda', and the 'STEM Program'. 'More Than a Mother' is a movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health, and change of mindset. The CEO has been recognized as one of the Most Influential African Women for seven consecutive years (2019–2025).

Through the scholarships program, about 1,200 scholarships, nearly 50% of the total, have been provided to women medical graduates. An additional 770 scholarships have been provided to young healthcare providers dedicated to advancing women's health by strengthening reproductive and sexual health and fertility care capacity. Merck Foundation has been building healthcare capacity since 2012. Under the Educating Linda program, more than 1,200 annual scholarships have been awarded to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries.

The foundation also empowers women in science and technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognize the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers.

At the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, the conference was co-chaired by the First Lady of Gambia, an Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, and the CEO of Merck Foundation. The First Lady of Central Africa, along with the First Ladies of Burundi, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal, joined as guests of honor and keynote speakers. The foundation's partnership with the First Lady of Central Africa began in 2015 and has provided scholarships for young doctors from the Central African Republic in oncology and diabetes. As part of the Educating Linda program, annual scholarships are provided to 40 underprivileged schoolgirls in the country.

Day 1 of the conference featured a plenary session with keynote speeches from First Ladies of Africa and a high-level ministerial panel discussion on the MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM. On Day 2, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative committee meeting was held, during which the First Ladies shared impact reports of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries and discussed future strategy.

Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Central Africa, announced a call for applications for eight awards aimed at media representatives, musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, students, and new talent. The awards aim to encourage young people to create awareness about issues including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending gender-based violence, ending child marriage and female genital mutilation, and raising awareness about early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension. The foundation also conducted five editions of Online Health Media Training with the office of the First Lady of Central Africa and has released seven storybooks, adapted into animation films, to address social and health issues among children.