Merck Foundation launches first TV programme to address social, health issues

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has launched its first TV programme to address critical and sensitive issues in Africa and beyond.

Dubbed ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, the show, according to the organisation “is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence” about social and health challenges such as:  diabetes, child marriage, girl education, women empowerment, gender-based violence, infertility, female genital mutilation (FGM) , among others.

The pan African show, conceptualised, produced, directed, and hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, would feature fashion designers, singers, and prominent guests from various backgrounds to “raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.”

Expressing her excitement about the launch, Dr Kelej, noted that fashion and art should “have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good.”

She believed fashion and art could contribute to sensitising communities about different social and health issues hence the introduction of the “beneficial yet entertaining TV programme.”

According to her, the programme was part of efforts to reach out to the youth as well as people in rural and urban communities on a wide range of pressing issues.

“I am hosting the show along with my co-host Brian Mulondo from Uganda. We will discuss and address various social and health issues relevant to Africa in a very unique way through our African community of fashion and art with purpose.

“It will be a first-of-its-kind interactive show, which will feature talented fashion designers and singers who sensitise communities through those creative work across Africa”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

She said a promo of the first episode on diabetes and healthy lifestyle had already received positive feedback.

The programme would be broadcast every Sunday at 2pm on GHOne TV in Ghana as well as other African countries including Kenya and Uganda.

By Spectator Reporter