Merck's new health charity strikes partnership deal with Tanzania

Merck's philanthropic venture has partnered with the government of Tanzania to build its healthcare capabilities as part of the German pharma firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

The Merck Foundation will provide one and two year surgical and paediatric oncology fellowship programme in India, Europe and the University of Nairobi for Tanzanian doctors to improve the cancer care in the country.

There will also be a strong focus on empowering infertile women through access to information, awareness, health, and economic empowerment across the country through the firm's ‘Merck More Than A Mother’ campaign.

Rasha Kelej, chief executive officer of Merck Foundation, said: “The prevalence of infertility is so high in Africa, and 85% of cases are due to untreated infectious disease, which can be prevented. Raising awareness about prevention through local media and social media is critical.”

The campaign will also encourage men to talk about infertility and “share the journey of their infertility diagnosis and treatment with their wives”, Kelej added.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, vice president of Tanzania, said that she was happy to partner with a reputable and serious organisation and added: “I will personally work with Merck Foundation to empower these underprivileged women, socially and economically across Tanzania and the rest of the world to create a culture shift needed to respect and appreciate women as productive members in society.”