Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), the charitable arm of Merck KGaA Germany, will broadcast the fourth episode of their TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on GH One in Ghana on Sunday, May 29, 2022.
After airing on KTN in Kenya and NTV in Uganda, the programme has now begun to appear on GH One TV in Ghana every Sunday.
The fourth edition of the TV show focused on the importance of fostering a healthy lifestyle, while the first three episodes focused on diabetes prevention, breaking down infertility stigma, and supporting girl education, respectively. Viewers and social media followers have responded enthusiastically to the TV show.
‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan-African television program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and featuring Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent guests from various domains with the goal of raising awareness and creating a culture shift across Africa. Brian Mulondo from Uganda co-hosts the show.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very excited to present the fourth episode of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, with this episode we aim to promote a Healthy Lifestyle through ‘Fashion with Purpose’.
I strongly believe that Fashion and Art have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good, these are strong tools to raise awareness on sensitive social and health issues pertinent in our beloved Africa.
Merck Foundation also works closely with Media and art community as a strong and critical partner to address and raise awareness about issues such as – Diabetes Awareness, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending Child Marriage, stopping FGM, stopping GBV, Supporting Girl Education and women’s empowerment, among other social and health issues affecting the continent.
We know that the Media enters every home, Fashion and art is included in an everyday setting. Therefore, by bringing these important soft powers together we can break the silence and create a culture shift in our Africa”.
“I would like to thank our viewers for the amazing response we have been receiving for our TV program this is indeed very inspiring and encouraging. The love we are getting on our Social Media is remarkable.” Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized.
A healthy lifestyle, according to WHO, is a way of life that allows you to enjoy more elements of life. Health is more than merely avoiding sickness or illness. It also includes physical, mental, and social well-being.
However, in Africa, where urbanization is accelerating and wages are rising, there is a growing lack of physical exercise and a growing demand for convenient And processed meals.
Many processed foods are heavy in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and/or preservatives, contributing to obesity and the growth of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
“To stay healthy we must stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and eat healthy. These fundamental four points are included in the T-shirts I designed myself for this TV program and the campaign, I hope you also enjoy watching my workshop”, said Senator, Dr. Rasha.
The episode included a background song by Cwezi, a popular Ghanaian singer. “Stop Diabetes” is a song about diabetes prevention, early detection, and management.
Dr. Sabrina Devi Ramamy Iranah, Director of Fashion & Design Institute, and Jean Luc Emile, Managing Editor, Defi Media Group were also featured in the episode. During this episode, Desire Cedric Vincent and Deena Appaddo, two young and upcoming Mauritius fashion designers, showcased their designs with messages promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“Merck Foundation provided more than 650 scholarships to doctors from 45 countries of One-Year Postgraduate Diploma and a two-year master degree in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicines and Master course in the Clinical Management of Diabetes’ in 4 languages- English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, endorsed by Diabetes UK to improve access to quality and equitable diabetes care for African countries and Latin American countries.
Merck Foundation has provided more than 1300 scholarships to doctors from 50 countries in various critical and underserved fields, this includes the 650 scholarships we mentioned earlier”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha.
“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.