Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Liberia’s First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai has delivered a passionate and visionary address at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
To commemorate yet another milestone in the Foundation’s transforming path, the event brought together development partners, First Ladies, health ministers, and graduates from the Merck Foundation from Asia and Africa.
Speaking on June 18, 2025, First Lady Boakai emphasized Liberia’s dedication to the Merck Foundation’s purpose while acknowledging the significant influence of its advocacy, health, and education programs throughout the country.
She praised the leadership of the Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of the Foundation, and Professor Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, for their innovative role in influencing health systems and empowering people throughout the world.
“With women at the center, we are creating our own table of solutions; Liberia is no longer requesting a seat at the table,” Madam Boakai said.
50 Liberian doctors have been awarded advanced scholarships in highly specialized fields, including 26 in fertility, embryology, and sexual and reproductive health, 5 in oncology, 10 in diabetes management, and 8 in acute medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology, she said, highlighting significant accomplishments in Liberia under the Merck Foundation Healthcare Capacity Building Initiative.
She proudly said that the current Minister of Health of Liberia is a graduate of the Merck Foundation, highlighting the extensive influence of the Foundation’s human capital initiatives.
The First Lady underscored the ambitious cultural and advocacy efforts carried out under the “More Than A Mother” campaign, which she supports in Liberia, in addition to health.
These include national campaigns against stigma associated with infertility, gender-based violence, child marriage, FGM, and non-communicable illnesses; media; music, film, and fashion awards for creative advocacy; and children’s storybooks that promote early awareness and health media training for journalists.
Speaking about education, she highlighted the Educating Linda Program, which provides full scholarships to 20 underprivileged girls in Liberia each year and distributes school materials widely to encourage empowerment and retention.
She emphasized that when you educate a female, you are kindling a country rather than simply aiding one child. In her closing remarks, First Lady Boakai urged her fellow First Ladies to remember that “we are here to be catalytic forces, not ceremonial figures.” We are writing more than simply a new chapter together. We’re constructing a new future.
The Summit commemorated a legacy of influence in underprivileged areas by marking the 13th year of Merck’s activities in Asia and Africa as well as the 8th anniversary of the Merck Foundation. The First Lady’s participation builds on Liberia’s growing role in continental partnerships for development and underlines the Boakai Administration’s focus on health equity, gender empowerment, and inclusive transformation.
