Merck Foundation Hosts Third World Infertility Awareness Summit 2024

The online event attracted over 350 participants, including Merck Foundation partners, alumni, and media professionals from more than 25 countries, with over 4,500 online viewers.

Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the Africa Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), recently conducted the Third Edition of the World Infertility Awareness Summit (WIAS) 2024 and a press conference. The event was co-chaired by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the "More Than a Mother" campaign; Prof. Oladapo Ashiru OFR, President of ARCS and the Nigerian Academy of Medicine Specialties; Dr. Edem Hiadzi, Immediate Past President of the Fertility Society of Ghana (FERSOG); Prof. Justin E. Mboloko, Immediate Past President of the Inter-African Fertility Research and Application Study Group (GIERAF); and Dr. Moustapha Thiam, President of Obstetrician Gynecologist IVF, Senegal.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the importance of the summit, stating, "We marked World Fertility Awareness Month with experts and media through our third edition of WIAS, aiming to raise awareness about infertility, particularly male infertility, and to combat the stigma associated with it. Our goal is to empower infertile women and couples with information, education, and access to healthcare."

Dr. Kelej highlighted Merck Foundation's commitment to enhancing fertility care in Africa and Asia, noting the provision of over 574 scholarships in embryology, fertility, and reproductive care to young doctors from 39 countries. Many of these scholars are now the first local experts in their respective countries, including The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, and others.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru OFR stressed the psychological impact of infertility on women and the social stigma they face. He advocated for community education and preventive measures such as a healthy lifestyle and the cessation of practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The summit aimed to:

Raise awareness about infertility, especially male infertility.

Highlight preventive measures in infertility in Africa and developing countries.

Discuss challenges and define solutions to improve access to quality infertility, sexual, and reproductive care.

Break the stigma associated with infertility.

The online event attracted over 350 participants, including Merck Foundation partners, alumni, and media professionals from more than 25 countries, with over 4,500 online viewers.

During the summit, Merck Foundation showcased their animation film "More Than a Mother," designed to promote strong family values and eliminate infertility stigma. The campaign has been instrumental in transforming the narrative around infertility, with significant support for women through the "Empowering Berna" initiative, which helps infertile women establish small businesses.

Merck Foundation has also trained over 3,200 media representatives across 35 countries to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding infertility. Their pan-African TV program "Our Africa," hosted by Dr. Kelej, and various songs under the "More Than a Mother" campaign further support these efforts.

Additionally, Merck Foundation annually launches the "More Than a Mother" Awards to encourage media, fashion, filmmaking, and music professionals to address social issues including infertility stigma, girl education, women empowerment, and more.

The Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, focusing on the role of scientific research in women's health and reproductive care, invites applications from final-year PhD students, young researchers, and medical doctors. For more details and to apply, visit: MARS Awards 2024.