Accra: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic division of Merck KGaA Germany, marked World Art Day 2026 by celebrating their Pan-African Art and Fashion with Purpose community, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. This occasion also marked the 6th anniversary of the community, established to leverage art and fashion in addressing pressing health and social issues across Africa and beyond.According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2025, emphasized the transformative power of art, fashion, and media in raising awareness and tackling significant social and health challenges. The Fashion and Art with Purpose Community, established in 2020, focuses on issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, women empowerment, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and c ancer. The community boasts members from over 25 countries, generating a positive social impact through creative endeavors.Merck Foundation has launched several initiatives, including the pan-African TV program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," which highlights critical issues through the voices of the Fashion and Art with Purpose community. Conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, the program features African fashion designers, singers, and experts to foster awareness and cultural shifts across the continent. The program has captivated millions of viewers across Africa and is available on various social media platforms.In collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, Merck Foundation annually announces awards under two themes for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, and musicians/singers. These awards focus on breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls' education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, empowering women, and promoting a healthy lifestyle with an emphas is on diabetes and hypertension awareness. Entries for the 2026 Awards can be submitted to [email protected]. Rasha Kelej proudly announced the recognition of 175 exceptional talents from 25 countries through the Foundation's Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. These winners, now part of the Fashion and Art with Purpose Community, use their art and influence to initiate conversations and challenge perceptions on sensitive social and health issues.Merck Foundation's community awareness programs have produced over 30 songs in various languages to address critical issues like infertility stigma and women empowerment. Additionally, the Foundation, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, has launched children's storybooks and adapted them into animation films in five languages to raise awareness and instigate change at grassroots levels.