Aisha Buhari becomes Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’

Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, has been recognized by Merck Foundation as an Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ for her efforts in building healthcare capacity, breaking the stigma of infertility, and supporting girl education in Nigeria.

Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Rasha Kelej, acknowledged the work of the first lady, saying that the long-term collaboration and ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity, encourage girl education, and empower infertile women in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

“After the enormous success of previous seasons, I am extremely glad to inaugurate the 2022 edition of Merck Foundation awards, together with Nigeria First Lady,” Rasha Kelej, who is also the President of “More Than a Mother,” stated.

“Through these awards, we hope to encourage the media, fashion, filmmaking, and music industries to raise awareness about important issues such as breaking the stigma surrounding infertility, highlighting the importance of girls’ education and women empowerment at all levels, ending GBV, and ending child marriage,” says the statement.

“We’ve been working closely with her since 2015, and together we’ve given over 30 scholarships to young Nigerian doctors in critical and underserved specialties like Fertility and Embryology, Diabetes, Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, and Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.”

“I am happy of our cooperation with Merck Foundation to empower infertile women via access to knowledge, education, health, and a change of thinking,” Aisha Buhari stated in response.

“We also try to improve our girls’ educational opportunities. I’m especially pleased to congratulate the winners of the Merck Foundation Media Awards, as well as to announce the new editions of the best song, best fashion designer, and best film award, with the goal of raising awareness and providing a platform to break the silence in our communities.”