By: Julius Konton
Liberia’s First Lady, Kartumu Yarta Boakai, delivered a stirring keynote address as Guest of Honour at the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, calling on African First Ladies to rise beyond ceremonial roles and become powerful agents of transformation across the continent.
Addressing a distinguished audience that included President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, fellow African First Ladies, and global health leaders, Madam Boakai framed the gathering as “a cathedral of compassion” and declared:
“If women are the backbone of society, then First Ladies must be the moral spine of leadership.”
She lauded Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, for building a movement that goes beyond philanthropy to ignite systemic change across the continent.
Madam Boakai highlighted the tangible progress Merck Foundation has made in Liberia, noting that 52 doctors have already received specialized training through Merck Foundation scholarships, filling critical gaps in underserved medical fields.
71 additional scholarships are currently being processed, many in disciplines that have never before existed in Liberia’s healthcare system.
Liberia’s Minister of Health and other senior officials are proud alumni of Merck programs, an example of capacity building “when investment meets integrity.”
She praised Merck’s holistic approach, including its “Educating Linda” program, which currently supports the education of 40 underprivileged girls in Liberia.
“These are not just scholarships,” she said. “They are tickets to dignity, votes of confidence, and shields against poverty.”
A Village of Healing, and a Vision for the Continent
Madam Boakai also announced the launch of a $3 million multi-purpose village in Liberia, designed as a safe space for mothers recovering from trauma, youth overcoming addiction, and children living with autism or intellectual disabilities.
“It is no ordinary village; it is a place of transformation,” she said, inviting partners across Africa to join Liberia in creating models of inclusive healing.
Throughout her address, Boakai emphasized the critical role of First Ladies as “first responders to suffering” and “defenders of dignity.” She issued a powerful call to action:
“Let us not leave here with handshakes and photo ops alone. Let us leave with commitments carved into policy, programs shaped by data, and love sealed in action.”
She concluded her speech with a call for Africa’s women to reclaim the narrative and write the next chapter of the continent’s history:
“It’s time. Africa tells its own story through her daughters, her doctors, and her dreams.”
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary is a premier annual conference focused on building healthcare capacity, eliminating stigma, and empowering women and youth through education and advocacy. The 2025 edition convened over 1,000 participants from across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
