Merck today launched "Merck More than a Mother" in Abuja, Nigeria championed by Her Excellency First Lady of Nigeria , wife of the President Mrs. Aisha El Buhari, in partnership with ‘Future Assured’, Senate of Committee of Health of Nigeria, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development of Nigeria.
“Merck More than a Mother” aims to empower infertile women by improving access to information, education, healthcare and change of culture and mind set to de-stigmatize infertility.
Her Excellency Mrs Buhari in a speech read on her behalf by the Vice President’s wife pledged her support in the implementation of “Merck More than a Mother’s” activities in Nigeria focused on creating awareness and providing information and education on causes of infertility; facilitating access to healthcare; and economic and social empowerment of infertile women.
The launch was also addressed by Dr. Toyin Saraki, wife to the Senate President, who called for partnership between government and the private sector to make infertility treatment affordable. On behalf of fellow senators’ wives she committed that they would carry the message of the “Merck More than a Mother” campaign to every senate area of Nigeria.
A panel discussion of fertility experts and policy makers during the launch called for an end to the stigmatization of infertile women; creation of awareness and education on the causes of infertility and management since over 85% of the cases are caused by infections which can be treated and prevented; male infertility; building advocacy for the development of ART laws to improve the governance and quality of fertility care; improving access to fertility care by integrating it into public reproductive health services and building the capacity to provide quality and safe fertility care through training.
The panelists also supported the empowering of infertile women who form a vulnerable part of the population. Infertile women in Nigeria and many other African countries who can no longer be treated and have been empowered socially and economically to lead independent and happier lives through “Empowering Berna” initiative. “Empowering Berna” is part of “Merck More than a Mother” campaign.
The panel included Senator Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, the Chairman Senate Committee of Health of Nigeria; Prof. Isaac Adewole, Hon. Federal Minister of Health, Nigeria; Hon. Aisha Alhassan, Federal Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nigeria; Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of State of Health, Uganda; Hon. Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament, Kenya; Dr Mohammed Kamal, National Coordinator, Future Assured; Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, President Africa Fertility Society and Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer, CEO Merck Foundation.
Watch the stories of the transformation of childless women from Nigeria on our YouTube channel Merck More than a Mother

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