BY MOSES MUGUGUNYEKI Merck Foundation has launched the first episode of their maiden TV programme dubbed Our Africa by Merck Foundation.
The first episode premiered on April 16 on KTN, Kenya and the following day on NTV, Uganda.
It focused on raising awareness about the prevention of diabetes among African communities and received good feedback and reviews from viewers of the two channels.
Our Africa by Merck Foundation is set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence about many critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa such as breaking infertility stigma, ending child marriage, ending female genital mutilation, stopping gender-based violence, supporting girl education, women empowerment and promoting healthy lifestyle.
“I am very happy to receive this very positive and encouraging feedback on the show from our African viewers,” said Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
“I have received numerous messages on our social media about how they enjoyed and benefited from the first episode and are looking forward to watching more episodes with their family and friends.
“Our viewers and social media followers totally loved the fusion of addressing health, social issues with fashion, art and music!
“They found the show to be very entertaining and informative at the same time.”
The premiere show focused on creating awareness about the rising incidence of diabetes and ways to prevent it, through the African Community of Fashion and Art with Purpose.
This is to be noted that 45 million adults (20-79) in the African Region have impaired glucose tolerance, which places them at high risk of developing type Two diabetes. These figures are estimated to reach 110 million by 2045.
Moreover, Africa has the highest percentage of undiagnosed people — 70% of adults living with diabetes do not know they have it.
Our Africa by Merck Foundation is conceptualised, produced, directed and co-hosted by Kelej.
The show, which is co-hosted by Ugandan Brian Mulondo, will feature fashion designers, singers, and prominent guests from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
“I am very proud to inform all our viewers that Merck Foundation has been providing specialty training for African, Asian, and Latin American doctors to better manage diabetes, hypertension, and endocrinology patients, through their “Merck Foundation Diabetes Blue Points Programme” in partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health and Medical Societies,” Kelej said.
Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV programme is being broadcasted in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana; the TV programme will also soon be aired in other African countries.