Words by GOLD newsdesk
A new TV programme seeking to raise awareness of critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa has been launched by the Merck Foundation.
The programme, titled Our Africa by Merck Foundation, is "set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence" by opening conversation around issues such as breaking stigma around infertility, ending female genital mutilation, supporting education for girls and promoting healthy lifestyles, among others. The aim is to raise awareness of these issues and create a positive culture shift across the continent.
The first episode, which focuses on raising awareness about the prevention of diabetes and the importance of early diagnosis, has received positive feedback after being broadcast on KTN in Kenya and NTV in Uganda on 16-17 April.
Commenting on the programme's launch, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO, Merck Foundation, said: “I am very happy to receive this very positive and encouraging feedback on the show from our African viewers. I have received numerous messages on our social media about how they enjoyed and benefited from the first episode and are looking forward to watching more episodes with their family and friends. Our viewers and social media followers totally loved the fusion of addressing health and social issues with fashion, art and music. They found the show to be very entertaining and informative at the same time.”
The programme is a first for Merck Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA – and features public figures in the African arts and fashion scenes, alongside hosts Senator Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, and Ugandan media personality Brian Mulundo.
It is being broadcast across Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, with plans to air the programme in other African countries in due course.
Senator, Dr Kelej concluded: “I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of the ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to get informed, get healthy and get entertained!"