Mozambique: First Lady advocates close partnership with Merck Foundation – AIM

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Mozambique: First Lady advocates close partnership with Merck Foundation – AIM

9:54 CAT | 20 Jun 2025

File photo: Jornal Domingo

Mozambique’s First Lady, Gueta Chapo, advocates the need for close collaboration with Merck Foundation to train more healthcare professionals, promote gender equality and combat premature marriages in the country and in Africa.

Gueta Chapo said the country benefited from 18 scholarships granted to doctors from various provinces in Mozambique.

“Of the 18 scholarships, 15 were accredited as part of the Merck Foundation’s national blue dots program in diabetes,” said the First Lady today (19) in Dubai, speaking at the 7th edition of the First Ladies’ Initiatives Summit taking place in the United Arab Emirates.

She stressed that the most impactful thing is the fact that they were made available in Portuguese, making it easier for all students to understand.

Gueta Chapo praised the Merck Foundation for awarding 140 scholarships, of which 100 were for medical personnel and nurses, and the remaining 40 were for underprivileged girls. She cited the need to support underprivileged Mozambican girls, such as orphans and children of widows, who face challenges in continuing their education. “We have many girls in our country who would like to continue their education but do not have the opportunity,” she said. The First Lady praised the Merck Foundation’s initiative and campaign called “More than a Mother,” which aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, decision-making, and a change in mindset. “I am impressed by Merck’s campaign, ‘More than a Mother’.”

Gueta Chapo reiterates her office’s commitment to combating child marriage and promoting girls’ rights, in line with the efforts of the Mozambican government and community leaders.

“We continue to raise awareness among our population so that children and boys do not get married before the age of 18,” she said.

She also announced that her office intends to strengthen cooperation with Merck Foundation with the other First Ladies.

“My dear sisters, I am excited to share this journey with all of you and to partner closely with Merck Foundation to drive meaningful, lasting change in the country and the continent. When we walk together, we are stronger,” she said.

Source: AIM