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Merck Foundation\u00a0(www.Merck-Foundation.com)<\/strong>, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany partnered with H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia<\/strong> to support livelihood of families of casual workers and persons living with disabilities, who are most affected by the lockdown of Coronavirus (COVID -19).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans (2019)<\/strong> explained, \u201cThe situation in Liberia and other countries is of grave concern and needs immediate action. In this exceptionally difficult period, Merck Foundation decided to make community donations to those who are most affected; women, people living with disabilities and casual workers, making it difficult for them to survive. Together with Liberia First Lady and Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother<\/strong>, we provided essential food and cleaning items; rice, cooking oil, soap and other items for over 1600 people in Liberia\u201d.<\/p>\n H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia and Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother<\/strong> emphasized, \u201cWe appreciate the support being provided by our long-term partner Merck Foundation, during this difficult time. It is critical for us to help those who have been severely affected by the lockdown imposed in the country to curb coronavirus. The donations have been made in Kakata & Margibi counties of Liberia\u201d.<\/p>\n Dr. Rasha Kelej<\/strong> further elaborated, \u201cWe have also launched \u2018Stay at Home\u2019 Media Recognition Awards together to encourage media to raise awareness about coronavirus. Moreover, Merck Foundation started to provide one-year online diploma and two- year master degree in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines to help doctors in Liberia to better manage coronavirus patients.<\/p>\n Merck foundation also provides online one-year diploma and two-year master degree in diabetes, preventive cardiovascular medicines and endocrinology to enable healthcare providers to better manage patients who in coronavirus risk groups\u201d.<\/p>\n Merck Foundation has also undertaken similar relief activity in Egypt as well as in Ghana, DR Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger in partnership with their First Ladies to further support up to 1000 poor families in Each country.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Merck Foundation response to Coronavirus Pandemic; <\/strong><\/p>\n Merck Foundation has raced to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic in partnership with 18 African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information and Education<\/strong> focusing on four main areas: 1) Community donations<\/strong> to support livelihood of thousands of women and casual workers affected by Coronavirus lockdown; 2) Coronavirus Healthcare Capacity Building<\/strong> by providing online one-year diplomas and two-year master\u2019s degree in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines for African Doctors; 3) Community Awareness<\/strong> by announcing \u2018Stay at Home\u2019 Media Recognition Awards<\/strong> in Africa, Middle East, Asia & Latin America to raise awareness about Coronavirus and 4) Community awareness for Children and Youth<\/strong> by launching an inspiring storybook \u2018Make the Right Choice\u2019<\/strong> to sensitize children and youth about Coronavirus.<\/p>\n The \u2018Stay at Home\u2019 Media Recognition Awards<\/strong> have been launched in Liberia in partnership with H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia.<\/strong> The theme of the awards is \u2018Raising Awareness on how to Stay Safe and keep Physically and Mentally Healthy during Coronavirus Lockdown with the aim to separate facts from myths and misconceptions\u2019.<\/strong> Liberian journalists from Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia Platforms are invited to apply for the awards by sending their entries to: info@merck-foundation.com along with details including Name, Gender, Country, Media house, Email address & Mobile Number) and entry as an attachment, latest by 30th June 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.<\/i><\/p>\n Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:<\/strong> About Merck Foundation:<\/strong>
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\nThe Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.\u00a0 \u00a0Please visit\u00a0Merck-Foundation.com<\/a>\u00a0to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media:\u00a0Merck Foundation<\/a>\u00a0(Merck-Foundation.com<\/a>);\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0(bit.ly\/347DsTd<\/a>),\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0(bit.ly\/2REHwaK<\/a>),\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0(bit.ly\/2t3E0fX<\/a>),\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0(bit.ly\/2E05GVg<\/a>) and\u00a0Flicker<\/a>\u00a0(bit.ly\/2RJjWtH<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n