Dr. Rasha Kelej Recognizes the Winners of Merck Foundation Fashion, Film and Song Awards 2024 to Empower Infertile Women, End Child Marriage & Support Girl Education

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & Accra, Ghana– Business Wire India • 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. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I am happy to meet and celebrate the winners of our Fashion, Song and Film awards 2024, announced in partnership with my dear sisters the First Ladies of Africa. 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 1. Johannes Medard Tairo, TANZANIA, FIRST POSITION 2. Favor Nkosenhle Simelane, BOTSWANA, SECOND POSITION 3. Lee-Ann Sebaga Dintwa, BOTSWANA, THIRD POSITION French Language 1. NIKUZE Jean de Dieu, BURUNDI, FIRST POSITION 2. Mihako Mutaka Schela, DRC, SECOND POSITION 3. Giveshomoh Gladys Zowonyi, CAMEROON, THIRD POSITION Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Film Awards 2024: 1. Vivian Adu, GHANA, FIRST POSITION 2. Annick Stephano Bloquet, MAURITIUS, SECOND POSITION 3. Abdul Mansaray, SIERRA LEONE, THIRD POSITION Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’ Film Awards 2024: 1. Mukose Moses, UGANDA, FIRST POSITION As par