Tanzania: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, commemorated World Art Day 2025 by highlighting the impactful efforts of its Pan African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community. Established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, this innovative community aims to address critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa to use their creativity as a tool for advocacy and education.
According to African Press Organization, the community is part of Dr. Kelej’s vision to leverage art, fashion, and media to create cultural shifts in African societies. Initiatives such as the pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” illustrate this vision by raising awareness on significant issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, and Stopping Gender-Based Violence.
“Our Africa by Merck Foundation,” conceptualized and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej, showcases African fashion designers, singers, and experts to promote cultural change through creativity. This program has successfully engaged millions of viewers across the continent.
Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, also annually announces eight awards under two themes for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, and musicians. These awards focus on tackling social issues like ending child marriage and promoting a healthy lifestyle, along with addressing health concerns such as diabetes and hypertension.
Dr. Kelej emphasizes the importance of Africa’s rich creative heritage and its potential to inspire change through awards and collaborations with African First Ladies, who serve as Merck Foundation More Than a Mother ambassadors. The awards encourage young African talents to use their creativity to address pressing societal challenges.
Beyond the awards, Merck Foundation has produced over 30 songs with African artists and launched eight children’s storybooks, available in multiple languages, to further spread awareness and instigate change at grassroots levels. These resources, including animation films, aim to reach diverse communities and foster understanding of important issues.
For more information on Merck Foundation’s initiatives, songs, storybooks, and films, please visit their official links.