* Merck Foundation has so far celebrated 248 winners of their Fashion, Film and Song Award Winners from 36 Countries. All Winners are now a part of their ‘Fashion & Art with Purpose’ Community, established by Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO.
* During the ceremony, Merck Foundation CEO also announced call for application for 2026 Merck Foundation Fashion, Song and Film Awards in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Apply now at https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form.
* Watch the Merck Foundation Fashion, Song and Film Awards 2024 ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/live/8UnTPO3ypKs?si=kw37GEMC6G1hlXXF.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, celebrated the winners of their Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2024, under two themes: “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”, during the Award Ceremony held via an online video conference. The winners were recognized and acknowledged by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign. 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 African countries.
expressed, ”
I am happy to announce 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. We invite the young talents to submit their creative work, carrying powerful messages that break the silence.”
Merck Foundation CEO congratulated the 29 winners from 13 African countries and stated, “I am truly impressed by the entries of our winners, who have creatively and effectively conveyed important social and health messages through their work. I warmly welcome them to our ‘Fashion & Art with Purpose’ community, as I firmly believe that fashion and art play a crucial role in raising awareness about health and sensitive social issues.
Now, we have a total of 248 talented winners from 46 countries who are part of this creative movement. By presenting information in an engaging and entertaining way, they have the power to drive a shift in their communities.”
Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “More Than a Mother” 2024 Winners:
* Kehinde Boluwatife Precious, NIGERIA, FIRST POSITION
* Monsuru Barirot Morenikeji, NIGERIA, SECOND POSITION
* Afolabi Taiwo Adeola, NIGERIA, SECOND POSITION
* Johannes Medard Tairo, TANZANIA, SECOND POSITION
* Jude Aryeetey, GHANA, SECOND POSITION
* Opaleye Fiyinfoluwa Omotayo, NIGERIA, THIRD POSITION
* Abdulafeez Rodiat Ajike, NIGERIA, THIRD POSITION
* Akande Segun Oluwadamilare, NIGERIA, THIRD POSITION
* Adejumo Adeyemisi Comfort, NIGERIA, THIRD POSITION
* Odetola Anuoluwapo Quwiat, NIGERIA, THIRD POSITION
Here are the Winners of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2024:
* Sidorova SIMO FOTSO, CAMEROON, FIRST POSITION
* Ripuree Mahurukurua Kooitjie, NAMIBIA, SECOND POSITION
* Beatricia Lucas, NAMIBIA, THIRD POSITION
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Song Awards 2024:
English Language
* Hephzibah Iyobosa, NIGERIA, FIRST POSITION
* Goodluck Eghosa Osemwenkhae, NIGERIA, SECOND POSITION
* Kesia Ruth Saiwa, MALAWI, THIRD POSITION
French Language
* VITA NKANZA Dep’s, DRC, FIRST POSITION
* NIYOGUSHIMA Esidras, BURUNDI, SECOND POSITION
* ANDRIAMORASATA Nantenaina Joseph, MADAGASCAR, THIRD POSITION
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’ Song Awards 2024:
English Language
French Language
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Film Awards 2024:
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’ Film Awards 2024:
As part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has released more than 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages, with the aim to address important issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, and Diabetes Awareness.
Click here to listen to Merck Foundation Songs:
https://merck-foundation.com/videos/Merck-Foundation-Songs
Moreover, Merck Foundation has also released a series of Animation Films in English, French, Portuguese, Swahili and Spanish to address a wide range of social and health issues.
Watch Merck Foundation’s More Than a Mother Animation Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri1vnt7VM-M
Merck Foundation CEO has also conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation,’ a pan-African TV program designed to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various fields with the aim of raising awareness and creating a culture shift across Africa. Watch the Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RIoIMbFd2Q
The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations in several countries, capturing the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across the continent. “Our Africa” TV Program is also available on social media handles of Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube) and Merck Foundation (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube).
Details of Merck Foundation Awards 2025:
1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students from African Countries are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026.
2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026.
3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026.
4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026.
5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026:
Media representatives from African, Asian and Latin American Countries are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
Submission deadline: 30 October 2026.
6. Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30 October 2026.
7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30 October 2026.
8. Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30 October 2026.
Apply: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form
Entries can also be submitted via email to: [email protected]
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About Merck Foundation
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit http://www.merck-foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads and Flickr.
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
