Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has organized their first “Merck Foundation Health Media Training” in Conakry, Guinea in partnership with H.E. Madam Djene Conde, The First Lady of Guinea and Ambassador of Merck’s “More Than a Mother” project, together with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information and Communication to break the stigma around infertility in Guinea and rest of Africa.
Speaking on the program, the CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More than a Mother Dr. Rasha Keleje, said that “the training program which is a part of ‘Merck More than a Mother’ community awareness Program and was organized for the first time in Guinea for local media representatives and media students”. In her contribution, the Guinean First Lady, Madam Djene Conde added that “we are happy to host this training program together with Merck Foundation”.
Highlighting the importance of the program, Dr. Kelej notes that “media plays an important role in sensitizing the society. It can help in breaking the stigma around infertility. I am delighted to initiate this important training session as I strongly believe that the media plays a significant role to influence our society to create a cultural shift. It has the capacity and ability to break the stigma around infertility in the community.” The training was addressed by The First Lady, Dr. Rasha Kelej, Hon. Amara Somparé, Minister of Information and Communication, Guinea. It was also addressed by stalwarts of media and top infertility experts.
Moreover, it provided a great opportunity for the journalists to meet the experts and also to network with each other and work as a unit to eradicate the stigma around infertility in Guinea and the rest of Africa. It was attended by journalists working for Print, TV, Radio and Online media and journalism students.
“The Merck Health Media Training program focused on international standards and media ethics for reporting sensitive issues like infertility in Africa. It was designed to benefit the journalists in understanding the infertility issues in African communities and to learn the best media practices to cover such issues” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation also announced Call for Application for “Merck More than a Mother” ‘Media Recognition Awards’ for Guinea and rest of Africa. The “Merck More than a Mother” ‘Media Recognition Awards’ were launched in 2017 with the aim to emphasize the role of media in enhancing the public engagement and understanding of infertility stigma and the need to change its social perception in African communities. The applications are invited by media professionals to showcase their work to raise awareness about infertility prevention and breaking infertility stigma in Guinea and the rest of Africa.
Who can apply? Journalists from print, online, radio and multimedia platforms from Guinea and rest of Africa. Last date of submission: Entries can be submitted till 30th October 2019.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.