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African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) and Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative Convene Partners to Advance Financing for Women Entrepreneurs

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AFAWA Coordinator Melissa Basque-Roux addressed the gathering of more than a half-dozen implementing partners On the first day, delegates visited NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire, a subsidiary of the pan-African NSIA Group, which employs a range of financial tools to support women-owned businesses. The African Development Bank Group’s ( https://www.AfDB.org ) Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) kicked off a four-day learning event focused on practical ways to improve women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and other economic opportunities across Africa. Hosted jointly with the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), a World Bank-hosted partnership, the 22-25 September session brings together representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank and the World Bank Group, as well as the We-Fi Secretariat. The African Development Bank’s Africa Digi...
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World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Launches the Health Campaign Digitization Initiative (DIGIT-HCM) to Transform Health Campaign Planning and Delivery Across the Region

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The DIGIT platform is designed as an open, modular and interoperable digital infrastructure that provides countries with a unified interface for planning, managing and monitoring vaccination campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa is advancing the digital transformation of public health delivery with the launch of the DIGIT Health Campaign Data Digitization Project, a regional initiative designed to modernize how health campaigns are planned, coordinated, implemented and monitored across the continent. The initiative builds on growing experience across the Region in digitizing large-scale health campaigns. The DIGIT platform is designed as an open, modular and interoperable digital infrastructure that provides countries with a unified interface for planning, managing and monitoring vaccination campaigns, reducing reliance on fragmented and non-interoperable tools. The platform is being deployed through a first phase which will include seven pilot count...
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Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, E.G.H., Inspire Kenyan Schoolgirls at Kenya State House During Launch of Educating Linda Program

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  As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. Merck Foundation declared Kenya First Lady as the Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education. Merck Foundation ( www.Merck-Foundation.com ), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, "I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. M...
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Merck Foundation Announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Fashion, Film And Song Awards 2025 to Empower Infertile Women, End Child Marriage & Support Girl Education

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  Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the 2026 Edition of Merck Foundation Fashion, Song & Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’, in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Merck Foundation ( www.Merck-Foundation.com ), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the Africa’s First Ladies, also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation more Than a Mother” announced the winners of their Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2025, under two themes: “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. The theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in Afri...
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Hypertension is preventable when respecting a daily disciplined way of living

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    It is possible to prevent high blood pressure by eating less salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying active daily, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco. These simple habits protect your heart and keep your blood pressure in a safe range every day. Adults need to have their blood pressure accurately measured and controlled to live longer. Early detection and careful management of hypertension are essential. Eating Less Salt : Excess sodium makes your body hold onto extra fluid. This fluid volume builds pressure in your blood vessels. The Mayo Clinic notes that restricting sodium can drop your blood pressure by 5 to 6 mm Hg. Eating More Fruits & Vegetables : Plant-based foods are naturally packed with potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Potassium counteracts the negative effects of sodium by relaxing your blood vessel walls. Staying Active Daily : Routine exercise strengthens your heart muscle. A stronger heart pumps blood with much l...
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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & First Ladies of Africa Empower Women & Girls Through Education & Healthcare

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Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia during the MFFLI SUMMIT 2025 Merck Foundation is also raising awareness about the importance of supporting girls’ education through a range of creative initiatives, including inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated episodes on this theme through their Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV program. Merck Foundation ( www.Merck-Foundation.com ), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia who are also their Ambassadors, and partners including Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender mark ‘International Women’s Day 2026’, through their impactful and transformative development programs, reaffirming over 14 years of their sustained commitment and legacy in empowering women and girls. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African and African Women for Seven Consecutiv...
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How it matters being careful about hypertension

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Many people don't know they have high blood pressure, or hypertension because there are usually no warning signs. This can be dangerous, because high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke.  It should be stressed that anyone can often prevent or treat high blood pressure. In fact early diagnosis and heart-healthy lifestyle changes can keep high blood pressure from seriously damaging your health. Blood pressure explanation Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is called diastolic pressure. The Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The ...
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