MERCK Foundation, ARCS partner to build fertility care capacity, advocacy in Africa

Merck Foundation and the Africa Reproductive Care Services, ARCS,  are partnering to build advocacy to break the stigma of infertility through awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility in Africa as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother campaign.

Announcing the partnership, the CEO of Merck Foundation/President of Merck More Than a Mother, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,  said it was a delight to partner with an important and inclusive Society like Africa Reproductive Care Society with the aim not to only provide scientific and clinics training to African doctors and embryologists but to also build advocacy to break the stigma of infertility and raise awareness about infertility prevention, management, and male infertility. 

“We at Merck Foundation partnered with 20 African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education, Communication and Genders, Academia, Media & Art communities to achieve our goals to transform the landscape of fertility care in Africa, and we have achieved very important milestones. 

“I believe with our new partnership with ARCS we will continue our efforts and address different aspects of this topic”.

Also expressing elation at the partnership, the President of the ARCS, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, stated: “Merck Foundation has been creating awareness and building fertility care capacity in Africa. It is very critical to create awareness around infertility prevention and management as around 85 percent of infertility cases in Africa are caused by untreated infectious diseases, hence are preventable in many cases. 

“I also thank Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej for her energy, inspiration, and innovations. Together will do well for Africa.

“I invite all fertility care experts and embryologists, media experts, fashion designers who are our Merck Foundation Alumni to join this society. 

“Also, I invite policymakers, community leaders and members, singers and filmmakers to apply for the membership which is free and inclusive for all Africa”, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

The partnership was announced during the 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary during the Fertility and Reproductive care session, where they provided scientific and medical training for more than 400 doctors from Africa and Asia. And, discussed challenges, strategies, and solutions to improve access to quality, equitable and regulated fertility care in Africa and Asia.

With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatise infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child. 

Ashiru said ARCS aims to be the foremost contributor and the partner of choice in advancing the ART care solutions and advocating for improving access to regulated and equitable fertility care solutions and breaking the stigma around infertility in Africa with a special focus on Sub- Saharan Africa.