By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Liberia’s First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai delivered a passionate and visionary address today, June 18, 2025, at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The influential event convened First Ladies, health ministers, development partners, and Merck Foundation alumni from across Africa and Asia, marking another significant milestone in the Foundation’s transformative journey towards global health equity and empowerment.

In her keynote remarks, First Lady Boakai underscored Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the Merck Foundation’s mission, celebrating the profound impact of its health, education, and advocacy initiatives across the West African nation. She paid heartfelt tribute to the Foundation’s leadership, specifically acknowledging Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the Foundation’s CEO, for their visionary role in shaping robust health systems and empowering communities globally.

“Liberia is no longer asking for a seat at the table—we are building our own table of solutions, with women at the center,” the First Lady declared, her powerful statement earning a standing ovation from fellow First Ladies and delegates in attendance.

Highlighting tangible achievements in Liberia under the Merck Foundation Healthcare Capacity Building Initiative, Her Excellency proudly announced that 50 Liberian doctors have received advanced scholarships in highly specialized fields. This includes 26 in Fertility, Embryology, and Sexual and Reproductive Health, 5 in Oncology, 10 in Diabetes Management, and 8 in Acute Medicine, Pediatrics, and Dermatology. She also noted with pride that Liberia’s current Minister of Health is herself a Merck Foundation alumna, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the Foundation’s strategic investments in human capital development.

Beyond the realm of health, First Lady Boakai spotlighted the bold cultural and advocacy initiatives championed under the “More Than A Mother” campaign, which she personally leads in Liberia. These initiatives encompass a wide range of creative advocacy efforts, including Media, Music, Film, and Fashion Awards, the distribution of Storybooks for children to foster early awareness on critical social issues, specialized health media training for journalists, and nationwide campaigns actively combatting infertility stigma, gender-based violence, child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and non-communicable diseases.

On the critical front of education, she drew particular attention to the “Educating Linda Program.” Through this impactful initiative, 20 marginalized girls in Liberia receive full scholarships annually, complemented by widespread distribution of school supplies designed to promote retention and empowerment within educational institutions. “When you educate a girl, you are not just helping one child—you are igniting a nation,” she emphasized, articulating the profound ripple effect of girl child education.

First Lady Boakai concluded her address with a compelling call to action directed at her fellow First Ladies, reminding them of their collective potential. “We are not here to be ceremonial figures—we are here to be catalytic forces. Together, we are not just writing a new chapter. We are building a new future,” she passionately stated.

The Summit also served as a dual celebration, marking the 8th Anniversary of the Merck Foundation and the 13th year of Merck’s overarching programs across Africa and Asia, celebrating a powerful legacy of positive impact in underserved communities. First Lady Boakai’s participation at this high-profile event further solidifies Liberia’s growing role in continental partnerships for development and emphatically underlines the Boakai Administration’s dedicated focus on health equity, gender empowerment, and inclusive national transformation.