Merck Foundation and The Gambia First Lady Jointly Progress Patient Care in The Gambia Through Education and Capacity Building

Strategic Insights -

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 was recently held, where Merck Foundation, in partnership with The Gambia First Lady FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Ambassador of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother", discussed the strategy to reshape patient care in The Gambia. Merck Foundation, under this initiative, has provided 87 scholarships for local Gambian doctors in many critical and underserved specialties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Merck Foundation has provided 87 scholarships for local Gambian doctors in various critical and underserved specialties, aiming to transform patient care in The Gambia.
  • The scholarships include specialties like Oncology, Fertility and Embryology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Neonatal Care, and more.
  • 27 Scholarships have been provided in Oncology, allowing patients to receive quality and equitable cancer care in their home country.
  • The partnership with The Gambia First Lady has also supported 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls through the 'Educating Linda' program, empowering them to shape a brighter future.
  • So far, Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties.
  • The organization aims to break the silence around social and health issues and create a culture shift in Africa and underserved communities through various initiatives.
  • Merck Foundation has also launched children's storybooks addressing social and health issues and conducted online health media training to emphasize the role of media in addressing social and health issues.

Statistics:

  • Merck Foundation has provided 87 scholarships for local Gambian doctors in The Gambia.
  • 27 Scholarships have been provided in Oncology.
  • 23 Scholarships have been provided in Fertility and Embryology, as well as for One-Year Postgraduate and Two-Year Master's Degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Care.
  • 4 Scholarships have been provided in Diabetes Care.
  • 4 Scholarships have been provided in Respiratory Care, Acute Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Neonatal Care.
  • 2 Scholarships have been provided in Diabetes Master Degree.
  • Since 2012, Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE-September 8, 2025-: Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets The Gambia First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa and Asia at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss the strategy to reshape patient care in The Gambia (C)1994-2025 M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:07092025