First Lady thanks Merck Foundation for fertility training support

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed expressed her appreciation to the Merck Foundation for providing fertility and embryology training scholarships to Maldivian doctors.

The First Lady emphasized the importance of these programs as it is a critical specialty facing shortage of skilled doctors in the Maldives while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit on Wednesday.

She also thanked Merck Foundation for appointing her as an ambassador for their “More Than A Mother” campaign.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted ongoing efforts to improve access to affordable and high-quality healthcare throughout the Maldives. She voiced her commitment to fostering long-term technical partnerships to enhance the country’s healthcare system. She stressed the importance of raising public awareness and enhancing services, particularly in areas such as cancer screening, mental health, and women’s leadership in healthcare.

She shared with fellow First Ladies a community awareness campaign in the Maldives, developed in collaboration with the Merck Foundation, aimed at addressing issues like infertility stigma, gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, diabetes, and hypertension.

Additionally, the First Lady discussed the implementation of gender equality policies through the Gender Equality Action Plan, which promotes female entrepreneurship, improves women’s access to justice, and helps combat violence against women.

First Lady Sajidha is attending the MFFLI Summit, held in Dubai, UAE, as the guest of honor.