Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday hosted Merck Foundation top officials, marking seven successful years of partnership, celebrating huge milestones in healthcare and media training, social development and girls’ education, such that the global philanthropic organisation doubled Zimbabwe’s yearly scholarship allocation.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassador, was the guest of honour at the event dubbed the Merck Foundation Zimbabwe Alumni Summit 2025, held at a local hotel in Harare.
Each year, countless training scholarships continue to be unlocked for Zimbabwean doctors and mentorship for media partners to improve their critical role in effective community awareness.
The partnership has provided over 166 scholarships to doctors drawn from the country’s 10 provinces in many critical specialities and underserved disciplines as part of a drive to transform healthcare quality and allow equitable access for all.
Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, first paid a courtesy call to the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa at her Zimbabwe House offices.
During the meeting, the team praised the First Lady for being exemplary among the More Than a Mother Ambassadors, saying her projects have proven to be the best, hence their decision to increase scholarships from 20 to 40 annually.
Dr Mnangagwa also encouraged First Ladies from SADC to join the Merck Foundation so that they can learn from each other.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Stephen Banda and the First Lady’s Technical Advisor Dr Bernard Madzima were also present to interact with Merck Foundation officials, getting first-hand information on their numerous life-changing projects together with Angel of Hope Foundation.
Speaking during the summit, First Lady Dr Mnangagwa greatly acknowledged the valuable partnership with Merck Foundation and being the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassador,” which has transformed patient care in the country by providing speciality training for local doctors.
“On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, we welcome the long-term partnership with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, media capacity, and address the health and social challenges in our beautiful country.
“It is truly unbelievable what we have managed to achieve in a short time. I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided 166 scholarships for our local doctors in 44 underserved and critical specialities, essential for our country’s healthcare system,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa highlighted the impact of the 166 scholarships awarded through the Merck Foundation partnership, saying 60 scholarships went to doctors specialising in diabetes, endocrinology, cardiology, cardiovascular prevention, obesity and weight management.
The First Lady said these experts will strengthen public healthcare by helping establish clinics that improve the prevention and management of “diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases,” which continue to rise across Africa.
As the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, Dr Mnangagwa also talked about the 48 scholarships in fertility, embryology, women’s health, sexual and reproductive care, family medicine, and psychiatry.
“I see these scholarships as highly significant not only in breaking the stigma surrounding infertility but also in advancing women’s health,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said a further 58 scholarships supported critical but underserved fields such as oncology, respiratory care, infectious diseases, neurosurgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and geriatric care. She emphasized that boosting healthcare capacity is vital for national development.
“This is the first time that we work on such an impactful program; it is history in the making,” she said.
As for the alumni, Dr Mnangagwa said, “You are the future healthcare experts of our country.”
The First Lady also spoke about the Educating Linda Programme, which provides annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged but high-performing girls and supplies learning materials to thousands more.
“Educating girls is fundamental… and I hold the Educating Linda programme in very high regard,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also highlighted joint efforts to raise awareness on infertility stigma, GBV, girls’ education, and non-communicable diseases.
Mother Zimbabwe also noted the launch of seven children’s storybooks and six editions of Health Media Training, along with annual awards recognizing impactful media, music, film, and fashion.
Dr Mnangagwa also urged schoolchildren, medical practitioners, and media personalities present to stay away from social vices.
Through an interactive session, the First Lady inquired from health personnel how they assess drug addicts upon their arrival at medical institutions.
Dr Mnangagwa was also given an opportunity to present awards to media personalities and medical practitioners who were trained by the Merck Foundation.
Chairman of the Merck Foundation Professor Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp said they believe that empowering people will lead to a better future.
“We also believe that good healthcare will transform the lives of individuals and families across the country. It can significantly contribute to economic and social development because healthcare is a major driver of economic growth and, consequently, of social progress.
“As you all know, the lack of financial resources is not the only challenge facing Africa. The far more pressing issue is the scarcity of trained healthcare providers capable of effectively preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases,” he said.
Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp said the sweeping shortage of medical and healthcare personnel has been one of the most critical areas and barriers to accessing quality healthcare across the continent.
“We are very proud to work closely with you to continue to work towards the health and social development of your beautiful country,” he said.
Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp said the foundation celebrated a key milestone, reaffirming that its scholarship programme strengthens Zimbabwe’s public health workforce by developing specialised medical skills.
He said it remains committed to improving healthcare across Africa and shaping better patient care.
Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp also praised students for their dedication, saying their efforts will enhance future practice and expand access to quality healthcare, while encouraging young girls to pursue their goals and thanking the First Lady of Zimbabwe for her support.
Merck Foundation CEO, who is also the Merck More Than a Mother President, Dr Kelej, while announcing the doubling of the scholarships, commended Zimbabwean students who have undergone training for their dedication and hard work.
“Today we doubled the number of scholarships provided for Zimbabwean doctors for Her Excellency. Of course, she asked us several times, and now it is being done. She’s always asking for the best and more for the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Dr Kelej hailed Dr Mnangagwa for her outstanding work through the partnership, referring to her as the best, whom others should learn from.
“Since we are marking today the 7th anniversary of our long-term partnership with Her Excellency, the First Lady of Zimbabwe and the Government of Zimbabwe our relationship has been great.
“So, we are so happy about this long-term partnership because the impact is outstanding and the milestones are amazing. We are really happy with this anniversary,” she said.
Dr Kelej also saluted Zimbabwean students benefiting from the scholarships.
“We never had any dropouts. They always succeed with merit or distinction, which is very, very important.”
Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Mombeshora applauded the Merck Foundation and Angel of Hope Foundation partnership for championing the training of health professionals in underserved areas.
“This collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening our healthcare delivery system, particularly in underserved and critical areas. I must say, the skills gap that we had have been covered quite a lot, and the provision of services has improved,” he said.
“On a personal level, quite a number of our health professionals have improved in their skills. These skills and knowledge have improved healthcare outcomes and saved countless lives,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora also saluted Zimbabwean doctors and health professionals who have benefited from the Merck Foundation scholarships.
“I say thank you for your service and hard work during your training and after. Your dedication to improving healthcare in Zimbabwe is commendable, and we appreciate your contribution.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system,” he said.
A documentary detailing Dr Mnangagwa’s journey with Merck Foundation gave a glimpse into what the partnership has achieved in the past seven years.
Beneficiaries from the medical sector were over the moon among them Dr Life Zambezi said the scholarship has completely transformed his professional journey and, more importantly, the lives of people living with diabetes in communities.
“Through the MSc in Diabetes Scholarship, I received advanced training that changed the way I understand and approach diabetes care.
“This knowledge has not only empowered me, but it truly changed the way I serve my patients. Every lesson I learned is being poured back into the people I care for,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Dr Nomaqhawe Moyo, said the programmes have taught him to deliver “what we call patient-centred care, meaning when a patient comes to your footstool and your doorstep, you treat that patient within their means and according to how the pain is impacting their lives, social life, psychological life, and physical abilities.”
“So, as a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe in the Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, and as a practical clinician, these skills have impacted the way I teach my learning and teaching strategies.”
Schoolchildren who are benefiting through the Educating Linda programme also gave their testimonies, with Shyline Mbavha saying, “Before the payment of the school fees, I was not able to go to school for one term.”
Another beneficiary, Shalom Magora, said she is an orphan and a proud recipient living with her foster parents.
“With this opportunity, Your Excellency, your kindness and generosity made a significant impact in my life and I am truly grateful. Merck Foundation, you have opened doors for me and I promise to do my best while investing in my bright future,” she said.
Representing women with infertility challenges was Mrs Maponga, who highlighted how the Angel of Hope Foundation and Merck Foundation partnership has helped break infertility stigma, restoring hope and dignity to women facing the challenge.
