Lusaka: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is marking World Art Day 2025 through its Pan African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. This initiative aims to raise awareness of critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a tool for advocacy, education, and cultural shifts within their communities.
According to African Press Organization, Dr. Rasha Kelej, who has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans for several years, emphasized the power of art, fashion, and media in addressing critical issues and creating cultural changes. The foundation has launched initiatives like the pan-African TV program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," which highlights pressing issues through the voices of the Fashion and Art with Purpose community. The program addresses topics such as infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, women's empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
"Our Africa by Merck Foundation" is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej. It features African fashion designers, singers, and experts to raise awareness across the continent. The program has captivated millions of viewers and aims to inspire a cultural shift in Africa.
In addition to the TV program, the Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, announces annual awards for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and young talents. These awards focus on two themes: addressing social issues such as infertility stigma and women's empowerment, and promoting a healthy lifestyle by raising awareness about diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced at the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary event in Tanzania.
Dr. Kelej highlighted Africa's rich cultural heritage, expressed through art, fabrics, music, and storytelling. The annual awards, supported by African First Ladies, aim to inspire youth to use their talents to address social and health issues creatively.
Merck Foundation has also created over 30 songs with African artists in multiple languages to address issues like infertility stigma, women's empowerment, and diabetes awareness. Furthermore, eight children's storybooks in English, French, and Portuguese have been launched, with adaptations into animation films to reach communities and instill change at grassroots levels.
To access Merck Foundation's songs, storybooks, and animation films, interested individuals can visit their official site.