Abuja: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Art Day 2025 through their Pan African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities.
According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, who has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2024, emphasized the power of art, fashion, and media in raising awareness and addressing social and health issues. With this vision, the Merck Foundation has launched numerous initiatives, including the pan-African TV program, "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," which highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of their Fashion and Art with Purpose community. The show and other initiatives address issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women's Empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
"Our Africa by Merck Foundation" is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, featuring African fashion designers, singers, and experts from various domains. The program aims to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, capturing the attention and hearts of millions of viewers.
Beyond the TV program, Merck Foundation, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, announces annually eight significant awards for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and young African talents. The awards focus on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV, Women's Empowerment, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and raising awareness about diabetes and hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024.
Dr. Kelej highlighted that Africa's creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed through art, fabrics, music, and storytelling, carried forward through generations. The awards, launched annually with the African First Ladies, aim to inspire the continent's youth to use their talents to address critical social and health issues through creative work.
The foundation has also created over 30 songs with African artists in multiple languages to address issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, they have launched children's storybooks and animation films in English, French, and Portuguese to raise awareness in communities and instill change at grassroots levels.
Entries for the Awards can be sent to: [email protected]. To access Merck Foundation songs, storybooks, and animation films, visit the provided links.
