Merck Foundation meets 26 African ministers of health, gender, education, science and technology and information to strengthen health and research capacities in Africa
(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release is being sent to you under an agreement with Business Wire India. PTI assumes no editorial responsibility in this regard.) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and Lusaka, Zambia – Business Wire India • Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS was conducted online during the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021. • The MARS Summit High Level Ministerial Roundtable with 26 Ministers of Health, Science and Technology, Education, Information and Gender and MARS researchers. Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany organized the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARCH 2021 online, in partnership with the African Union and African ministers from different sectors, during the 8th edition of the Merck Africa Asia Luminary Foundation 2021, organized in partnership with the Government of Zambia. The conference was opened by the President of the Republic of Zambia, HE Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of the Board of Directors of E.Merck KG and of the Board of Directors of the Merck Foundation. It was co-chaired by HE Ms. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. RashaKelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Elaborating on the MARS Summit, Senator, Dr. RashaKelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of MARS explained: “I am very happy that 26 African ministers from different sectors are meeting for the MARS Online VC. The Merck Foundation is committed to underlining its long-term commitment to building health care and research capacity in Africa with a particular focus on women and youth. This year, the Summit mainly addressed the importance of empowering women and youth in education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); challenges and strategies, the response to the coronavirus pandemic and the role of scientific research in the response to cancer and vaccine development – Two emerging challenges in Africa. “Dr. Eng. Ahmed Hamdy, Executive Director, African Union – Scientific, Technical and Research Commission, stressed: “The Merck Foundation African Research Summit has been a valuable opportunity for all those who are engaged and interested in health research in Africa to learn more about the full spectrum of scientific research currently underway on the continent regarding COVID-19, and pave the way forward in the African pandemic strategy with a concrete approach. MARS Online VC brought together distinguished leaders on a unique platform to reaffirm Merck Foundation’s commitment to developing a strong African roadmap towards gender equality by discussing policies, leadership and scientific roles that can enable women to recover and thrive in a post-COVID-19 world. Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Health and Population of Malawi, said: “Women are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers and as as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders. in the fight against the pandemic. This MARS ministerial panel highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the role of governments and policies in promoting gender equality, which will be conducive to our collaboration to empower women and support girls in gender equality. education. I am very privileged to work closely with African ministers to contribute to the development of Africa. The high-level ministerial panel included: 1. The Hon. Dr Jonas Kamima CHANDA, Minister of Health, Zambia 2. Hon. Dr. Dennis WANCHINGA, Minister of General Education, Zambia 3. Hon. Dr. Brian MUSHIMBA, Minister of Higher Education, Zambia 4. Hon. Elizabeth PHIRI, Minister of Gender, Zambia 5. Hon. Dora SILIYA, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Zambia 6. Hon. Silvia Paula Lutucuta, Minister of Health, Angola 7. The Hon. Dr NDIKUMANA Thadée, Minister of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS, Burundi 8. Hon. Dr. François HAVYARIMANA, Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, Burundi 9. Hon. Imelde SABUSHIMIKE, Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, Burundi 10. Hon. Marie Chantal NIJIMBERE, Minister of Communication, Information Technologies and Media, Republic of Burundi 11. Hon. Jacquiline Lydia Mikolo, Minister of Health and Population, Republic of Congo 12. Hon. Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, Gambia 13. Hon. Ebrima SILLAH, Minister of Information, Gambia 14. Hon. Colonel Remy Lama, Minister of Health, Guinea Conakry 15. Hon. Pr. Amadou Bano Barry, Minister of Education, Guinea Conakry 16. The Hon. Amara Sompare, Minister of Information and Communication, Guinea Conkary 17. Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Health and Population, Malawi 18. Hon. Dr. Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Republic of Malawi 19. Hon. Agnes Nyalonje, Minister of Education, Malawi 20. Hon. Ulemu Msungama, Minister of Youth and Sports, Malawi 21. Hon. Timoth Pagonachi Mtambo, Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, Malawi 22. Hon. Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, Namibia 23. Hon. Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Health, Uganda 24. Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information and Audiovisual Advertising, Zimbabwe 25. Hon. Sthembiso Nyoni, Minister of Women’s Affairs Small and Medium Enterprises, Zimbabwe 26. Hon. Amon Murwira, Minister of Higher and Higher Education, Zimbabwe Click on the link below to download the Merck Foundation app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation&hl = en Join the conversation on below and make your voice heard Facebook: Merck Foundation Twitter: @Merckfoundation YouTube: MerckFoundation Instagram: Merck Foundation Flickr: Merck Foundation Website: www.merck-foundation.com About the Merck Foundation The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and well-being of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building scientific research and healthcare capacity, and empowering people in STEM. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with a particular focus on women and young people. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed via email as they become available on the Merck Foundation website. Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to learn more. To find out more, contact our social media: Merck Foundation; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flicker To view the image, click on the link below: Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit -MARS Online VC PWR PWR
Warning :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI
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