African and Asian first ladies gather in Tanzania to tackle health challenges

By Lulu Angelo Sanga

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - The 11th Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has gathered first ladies from over 15 African and Asian countries to address pressing healthcare issues across both continents.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan opened the summit, underscoring the significance of healthcare investment, girls' education, and clean cooking solutions as pathways to gender-responsive health improvements.

President Samia highlighted Tanzania's efforts to expand healthcare access, with over 127 district hospitals and 367 healthcare facilities established nationwide.

"Increasing facilities for maternal and child health services has led to a significant drop in maternal and child mortality,” she stated, noting that maternal deaths have decreased by over 80%, though challenges remain.

A critical gap, however, is the shortage of specialized professionals to support this growing healthcare infrastructure—a need partially addressed by the Merck Foundation’s contributions through specialized training for doctors in Tanzania.

Education, particularly for girls, is another priority for President Samia. "As women leaders, we are proof of the transformative power of education. As a former teacher, I know education is the foundation of women's empowerment,” she said.

The summit provided a platform for First Ladies to exchange strategies for advancing healthcare and education and eliminating the stigma around infertility.

Merck Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp spoke on the shortage of healthcare professionals in Africa, emphasizing the Foundation’s role in providing specialized education to doctors across the continents.

He commended the First Ladies for their support of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, which addresses infertility stigma, girls' education, and gender-based violence.

“Merck Foundation is mobilizing communities for cultural change to de-stigmatize infertility, empower women and youth through education, and provide healthcare solutions,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, shared how Merck’s training programs have expanded her country's healthcare expertise and academic opportunities. Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, urged the campaign to include food security in schools, noting, "A plate of food is added strength for a child."

The First Lady of the Maldives, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, emphasized her nation’s progress in healthcare transformation, citing Merck’s support as essential in addressing key health challenges. She highlighted ongoing needs in areas like cancer care and fertility treatment and requested continued support for healthcare capacity building.

The two-day summit brings together ministers, policymakers, health experts, and journalists from over 70 countries to foster lasting solutions for a healthier future in Africa and Asia.