Merck Foundation underscores their long-term partnership with Angola First Lady to train healthcare providers and support Girl Education

LUANDA, Angola: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity and support girl education in Angola during a high-level meeting held between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and The First Lady of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, who is also the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. The meeting was held during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very happy to have met my dear sister, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We had a very meaningful discussion and about our joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues.”

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” said, “I am very excited to start the Educating Linda Program in my country which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. As a part of the program, we will be providing annual scholarships to 20 brilliant yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Moreover, I am also looking forward to providing scholarships for our local doctors to build and strengthen healthcare capacity in our country.”