First Lady praises Merck Foundation for training Ghanaian doctors

First Lady and President of the Lordina Foundation, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has lauded the Merck Foundation for significantly strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system through medical training scholarships.

During her speech at the opening session of the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025, the First Lady emphasised the impact of the foundation’s programmes on Ghanaian doctors and the country’s health sector.

“I am grateful to the Merck Foundation for its strong commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and empowering individuals,” Mrs. Mahama stated, acknowledging the foundation’s 13 years of transformative development across Africa and Asia.

She highlighted the Merck Foundation’s scholarship programme, which has granted over 2,000 scholarships to young doctors from 52 countries. “I am especially proud that two hundred and ten (210) Ghanaian doctors are among the beneficiaries,” she announced.

“I celebrate your dedication and the care you bring to countless families back home,” she remarked, emphasising the tangible impact of the training on communities across Ghana.

Mrs. Mahama also touched on the role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, which addresses critical issues like infertility stigma and reproductive health, indirectly supporting the work of these trained medical professionals.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that “progress is possible when public and private partners unite.” The First Lady conveyed the Lordina Foundation’s keen interest in strengthening its partnership with the Merck Foundation to “enhance our activities in health and education and combat stigma across Ghana.”

“We will continue to write stories of hope and transformation across our nations,” Mrs Mahama affirmed.