Dubai, UAE — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to healthcare and girls’ education during her first appearance at the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit held in Dubai.
Speaking alongside First Ladies from Africa and Asia, Mrs. Tinubu praised the Merck Foundation’s work in advancing medical education and addressing social issues. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling healthcare gaps and empowering women across underserved communities.
Fighting Infertility Stigma and Empowering Women
Tinubu voiced strong support for the “More Than a Mother” campaign—an initiative by Merck Foundation to break the stigma around infertility and support women facing social exclusion.
“This initiative addresses critical issues such as infertility stigma and empowers women. I thank Merck Foundation for their visionary leadership and congratulate them on their 8th anniversary,” she stated.
Training Doctors to Build Healthcare Capacity
Mrs. Tinubu announced that 63 Nigerian doctors have received scholarships through various Merck Foundation programs. These include training in fertility care, cardiology, psychiatry, and diabetes management.
Once they complete their studies, these medical professionals are expected to establish clinics in their local communities to offer much-needed healthcare services.
“This is a vital step towards improving public health outcomes in Nigeria. I am committed to expanding this program through my office and the Ministry of Health,” Tinubu added.
Tackling Diabetes Through Specialized Programs
She also spotlighted the Diabetes Blue Program, under which 39 Nigerian doctors received advanced training in diabetes management. Another 16 have been trained in critical fields such as acute medicine and respiratory care.
Girls’ Education: A Key to Social Change
Beyond healthcare, the Nigerian First Lady emphasized her focus on girls’ education, especially for those who have dropped out due to early marriage or unplanned pregnancies.
She praised the Merck Foundation’s Educating Linda initiative, which provides scholarships for underprivileged girls. The program aligns with her Renewed Hope Initiative, which prioritizes education for girls across Nigeria.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress,” Tinubu said. “We’ve partnered with the African Union Development Agency to provide scholarships and create 40 alternative high schools for girls who left school early.”
These schools offer young women a second chance to pursue their dreams and secure a better future.
Addressing Gender-Based and Health Challenges
Mrs. Tinubu expressed interest in expanding her collaboration with Merck Foundation to address issues such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and health challenges including hypertension and infertility stigma.
Merck Foundation Celebrates Global Impact
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, applauded the First Ladies’ commitment to health and social development.
“This summit symbolizes what we can achieve together,” he said. “Our scholarship programs are transforming healthcare by building a new generation of specialists in underserved regions.”
He pointed out that Africa’s main challenge is not just funding, but the shortage of well-trained healthcare providers capable of diagnosing and managing diseases. According to him, Merck Foundation has addressed this by awarding over 2,270 scholarships for one- and two-year master’s degrees in 44 specialized medical fields across 52 countries.
CEO Highlights Milestone in Education and Healthcare
In her welcome address, Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kalej stressed the summit’s role in promoting collaboration.
“Our scholarships in over 44 specialties have improved healthcare systems and changed millions of lives,” she said.
She also noted that nearly 1,000 scholarships for girls have been awarded across 17 countries, thanks to partnerships with various First Ladies.
Dr. Kalej concluded by emphasizing the foundation’s long-term vision:
“This summit highlights the power of partnerships in solving major health and social problems.”
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