Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Former Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, together with Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, met with First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed this evening at the Official Residence of the President, Muleeaage.
The high-level meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration between the Merck Foundation and the Government of Maldives to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector. Professor Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Senator Dr Kelej presented various initiatives offered by the Foundation, including scholarship opportunities and specialised training programmes for doctors to help advance medical expertise within the country.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed welcomed the proposals and provided a comprehensive overview of the Maldivian healthcare system. She highlighted ongoing efforts by the Government to enhance healthcare services across the nation and expressed interest in potential partnerships that align with these national goals.
In a gesture of appreciation, the Merck Foundation commended the First Lady for her advocacy and leadership in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly in breaking the stigma around infertility and empowering women. They formally recognised her as an Ambassador of the Foundation’s flagship initiative, the “More Than a Mother” campaign.
The campaign, which collaborates with First Ladies and women leaders across Africa and Asia, seeks to promote equitable reproductive and fertility care, combat the stigma surrounding infertility, and raise awareness on male infertility and prevention strategies.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening international partnerships aimed at building sustainable healthcare capacity in the Maldives.