The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Over the past few months, Africans have had an opportunity to get answers to some health and social issues stalking the continent.
Through the Pan African television show “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” conceptualised, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Africans also came face to face with various topical issues that keep them awake.
Solutions, too, have been provided through various discussions on the show.
Merck Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany.
Last weekend, the 15th and Season 1 final episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” was released.
The last episode summarises the discussions that have taken place in all previous episodes addressing and raising awareness on various sensitive health and social issues pertinent to the African continent.
These include breaking infertility stigma; importance of early detection and prevention of diabetes; supporting girl education; promoting a healthy lifestyle; ending female genital mutilation (FGM); coronavirus health awareness; sustainability and up-cycled fashion and gender-based violence (GBV).
The TV programme which is co-hosted by Brian Mulondo from Uganda has been receiving phenomenal feedback from viewers across the four countries and social media followers across Africa and beyond.
It features African fashion designers, singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
Dr Kelej said: “I would like to thank our viewers and social media followers for the outstanding feedback we have been receiving for our TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’.
“I am deeply touched by all the messages we have been getting on our social media appreciating the TV programme. The 15th Episode is a summary of all the topics we have been discussing on the TV programme so far.”
Dr Kelej reminisced about her conversations with the guests and designers who have been featured in the previous episodes.
This episode also featured Merck Foundation’s song “Girl Can” by artists Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively.
“‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV programme has been our effort to reach out to youth and other members of our urban and rural communities with the aim to address and raise awareness about a wide range of pressing social and health issues that are relevant to our continent.
“I am very excited to bring to you more seasons of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV programme, stay tuned. Be ready to get informed, get healthy, and get entertained,” concluded Dr Kelej.
