Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany partnered with H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia to support the livelihood of families of casual workers and persons living with disabilities, who are most affected by the lockdown of Coronavirus (COVID -19).

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans (2019) explained, “The situation in Liberia and other countries is of grave concern and needs immediate action. In this exceptionally difficult period, Merck Foundation decided to make community donations to those who are most affected; women, people living with disabilities and casual workers, making it difficult for them to survive. Together with Liberia First Lady and Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother, we provided essential food and cleaning items; rice, cooking oil, soap and other items for over 1600 people in Liberia.”

H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia and Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother emphasized, “We appreciate the support being provided by our long-term partner Merck Foundation, during this difficult time. It is critical for us to help those who have been severely affected by the lockdown imposed in the country to curb coronavirus. The donations have been made in Kakata & Margibi counties of Liberia.”

Dr. Rasha Kelej further elaborated, “We have also launched ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards together to encourage media to raise awareness about coronavirus. Moreover, Merck Foundation started to provide a one-year online diploma and two- year master's degree in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines to help doctors in Liberia to better manage coronavirus patients."

Merck Foundation also provides an online one-year diploma and two-year master's degree in diabetes, preventive cardiovascular medicines, and endocrinology to enable healthcare providers to better manage patients in coronavirus risk groups.

Merck Foundation has also undertaken similar relief activities in Egypt as well as in Ghana, DR Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger in partnership with their First Ladies to further support up to 1000 poor families in Each country.

Merck Foundation has raced to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic in partnership with 18 African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information and Education focusing on four main areas:

1) Community donations to support livelihood of thousands of women and casual workers affected by Coronavirus lockdown;

2) Coronavirus Healthcare Capacity Building by providing online one-year diplomas and two-year master’s degree in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines for African Doctors;

3) Community Awareness by announcing ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards in Africa, Middle East, Asia & Latin America to raise awareness about Coronavirus and

4) Community awareness for Children and Youth by launching an inspiring storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitize children and youth about Coronavirus.

The ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards have been launched in Liberia in partnership with H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia. The theme of the awards is ‘Raising Awareness on how to Stay Safe and keep Physically and Mentally Healthy during Coronavirus Lockdown with the aim to separate facts from myths and misconceptions’.

Liberian journalists from Print, Online, Radio, and Multimedia Platforms are invited to apply for the awards by sending their entries to [email protected] along with details including Name, Gender, Country, Media house, Email address & Mobile Number) and entry as an attachment, latest by 30th June 2020.