Merck Foundation Honors African Journalists in 2023 Media Recognition Awards

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, announced the winners from Tanzania and 22 other African countries.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has celebrated the achievements of African journalists in the 2023 Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards themed "More Than a Mother" and "Diabetes & Hypertension." The virtual awards ceremony, attended by dignitaries including African First Ladies and Merck Foundation ambassadors, recognized journalists' exceptional efforts in raising awareness on crucial social and health issues across the continent.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the "More Than a Mother" campaign, announced the winners from Tanzania and 22 other African countries. The awards aim to spotlight issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, women empowerment, ending child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and combating gender-based violence (GBV).

Expressing her excitement, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, "I am thrilled to announce the winners from Tanzania and across Africa. This year, we have honored 83 winners from 22 countries, highlighting their dedication to advocating for critical social and health issues within their communities."

The Merck Foundation began its Media Awards in 2017, witnessing a notable increase in entries each year from various African countries, demonstrating growing engagement and commitment to societal change.

"All our winners are champions of sensitive social and health issues, actively engaging as voices of the voiceless and fostering cultural transformation," Senator Kelej added, welcoming the winners to the esteemed Merck Foundation Alumni.

In addition to recognition, Merck Foundation rewarded winners with access to a year-long online educational training program called 'MasterClass,' designed to enhance their skills and capabilities in media and journalism.

Senator Kelej also announced the launch of the 2024 Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards, inviting journalists to apply in categories focusing on "More Than a Mother" and "Diabetes & Hypertension." These awards continue to be supported by African First Ladies who advocate for Merck Foundation initiatives.

Highlights of the 2023 Awards:

More Than a Mother Awards:

Winners from Tanzania included Marco Maduhu (Nipashe Newspaper), Shaban Njia (Nipashe Newspaper), Aveline Kitomary (Tanzania Standard), Beatrice Philemon Mukocho (The Guardian Newspaper), Olga Fadhil Lungala (Moshifm Radio), and Adam Hhando (CG FM).

Diabetes & Hypertension Awards:

Christina Stephen Mwakangale (Nipashe), Lucy John Bosco (Mwananchi Online), Veronica Romwald Mrema (Freelancer), Tulinagwe Alison Malopa (Gazetini), and Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli (Highlands FM Radio) were recognized for their contributions.

Regional Winners:

West African Countries: Recognized winners included Raissa Sambou (The Spectator, Ghana), Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee (Myjoyonline, Ghana), Mariam Hamzat (Freelancer, Nigeria), Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh (New Narratives, Liberia), among others.

Southern African Countries: Melody Mupeta (Zambia Daily, Zambia), Michael Magoronga (Zimpapers, Zimbabwe), Charlotte Nambadja (Desert Radio, Namibia), and others were awarded for their impactful reporting.

East African Countries: Elizabeth Angira (MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya), Moraa Obiria (Nation Media Group, Kenya), Walter Mwesigye (NTV Uganda), and more excelled in their respective categories.

French and Portuguese Speaking African Countries: Journalists from countries such as Burundi, Togo, Mozambique, and others were recognized across various categories for their contributions to promoting health and social awareness.

The 2024 awards will accept entries until September and October for "More Than a Mother" and "Diabetes & Hypertension" categories, respectively. Journalists are encouraged to submit entries to enhance their chances of recognition in these prestigious awards.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.merck-foundation.com or email submit@merck-foundation.com.