By Amos Tauna
Merck Foundation says it has committed itself to long term partnership with the government of Tanzania.
In a meeting between Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan and Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, the foundation says it commits to building healthcare capacity and improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions across the country as part of its Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) programs across Africa.
A statement says Merck Foundation would focus on providing one year and two years surgical and paediatric oncology fellowship program in India, Europe and University of Nairobi for Tanzanian doctors to improve the cancer care in the country.
It adds that the foundation would also focus on empowering infertile women through access to information, awareness, health, change of mind set and economic empowerment across the country through the ‘Merck more than a Mother’ campaign.
“The prevalence of infertility is so high in Africa, one every four couple in reproductive age suffers from infertility and yet around 85% of those cases are due to untreated infectious disease which could be prevented, hence raising awareness about prevention through local media and social media is very critical,” Rasha Kelej says.
“Raising awareness about male infertility as the infertility affects women and men equally and yet women are the one who been solely blamed, discriminated and mistreated in their communities.
“The campaign will address this topic and encourage men to discuss openly their infertility and share the journey of infertility diagnosis and treatment with their wives,” Kelej adds.
Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan commended the role Merck Foundation plays in healthcare capacity building in Africa and welcomes them to Tanzania.
She added: “Tanzania welcomes Merck Foundation to the country, we are happy to partner with such reputable and serious organization top empower women and you, healthcare and science.
“I will personally work with you to empower these underprivileged women socially and economically across Tanzania and the rest of the world to create a culture shift needed to respect and appreciate women as productive members in society weather they are mother or not.”
