By Ayomide Otitoju
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, and the Republic of Cabo Verde have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce their long-term collaboration on healthcare capacity building. The agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and H.E. Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho, First Lady of Cabo Verde and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother,” at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.
Dr. Kelej said the partnership will provide scholarships for young doctors in Oncology and Fertility, marking a key milestone in strengthening healthcare services in Cabo Verde. “We also signed an MoU to underscore our long-term partnership and continue our programs in the country,” she added.
The First Lady of Cabo Verde highlighted the impact of Merck Foundation initiatives in the country. “We have enrolled our doctors in Oncology and Fertility Training programs and launched the Educating Linda program, awarding scholarships to 42 students nationwide. Education is the foundation of a thriving nation, and these scholarships are vital to unlocking potential,” she said.
During the Summit, a strategy session was held between Dr. Kelej and the First Lady to define further steps for building healthcare and media capacity in Cabo Verde. The discussions also focused on addressing a wide range of social and health issues, including breaking infertility stigma, promoting girl education, and raising awareness about non-communicable diseases.
Merck Foundation has, since 2012, provided 2,400 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries across 44 underserved medical specialties. More doctors from Cabo Verde will soon benefit from these programs through the partnership with the First Lady and the Ministry of Health.
In addition to healthcare initiatives, Merck Foundation and the First Lady’s office have conducted two editions of Online Health Media Training to strengthen media’s role in addressing social and health challenges. They have also launched seven children’s storybooks in Portuguese—such as More Than a Mother, Educating Linda, and Jackline’s Rescue—covering topics like infertility stigma, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.
The Foundation also announced a call for applications for eight awards in partnership with the First Lady of Cabo Verde, recognising achievements in media, music, fashion, filmmaking, and youth talent development.
The MoU signing underscores the shared commitment of Merck Foundation and Cabo Verde to foster sustainable healthcare development, education, and social awareness initiatives across the country.
