H. E. FATIMA MAADA BIO, ATTENDS FIRST LADIES SUMMIT IN DUBAI

H. E. FATIMA MAADA BIO, ATTENDS FIRST LADIES SUMMIT IN DUBAI

H. E. Fatima Maada Bio and her delegation attends the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit Dubai, UAE. 29th March – 1st April 2019. Fifteen (15) African 1st ladies from West ,central, and southern Africa attended as Ambassadors of ‘’Merck more than a mother’’ representing their countries. The session ended with both personal and group photos of the First Ladies. First Lady Bio, in her speech, commended the great work of Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck “More than a Mother”.

The Technical Advisors Committee meeting delegation was led by Hon. Baindu Dassama. Where the social impact of Infertility was discussed. The theme was “Raising awareness on infertility prevention and breaking infertility stigma in Africa.

The summit is split into the First Ladies Summit, and a specialised Technical Advisors Committee Meeting. The Technical Committee delegation from Sierra Leone is lead by Hon. Baindu Dassama

Merck Foundation’s initiatives includes “Merck More Than a Mother” campaign that seeks to reduce the stigmatisation of infertile women, and empower them to live independent lives. Also, Merck Capacity Advancement Program, is involved in educating and training medical students and healthcare providers from the start, they strengthen the local capacities and enhance clinical management processes. Sierra Leone truly believes in and fully supports the great work of the foundation. The foundation recently funded the training of medical practitioners from Sierra Leone.

First Lady Bio is passionate about the well being of women and children, and the vision of Merck Foundation. The vision includes improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in under-served communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with a special focus on Women and Youth.

First Lady Bio’s commitment to improved access to health care saw her roll out the blueprint for an ultra modern international medical centre in Sierra Leone. Working in partnership with a visionary like Dr Rasha Kelej is a step in the right direction. The First Ladies Initiative Summit is a powerful forum.

First Ladies from various African countries are coming in with their team of experts . The different interventions of Merck Foundation, detailed strategy and execution plans will be examined methodically to ensure the continued success of these programmes, as they proffer workable African solutions to issues we face.