Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Malawi First Lady announce Malawian Winners of their Media Awards to break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education and Diabetes- Hypertension awareness

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Malawian winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am proud to announce the winners from Malawi and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It's truly inspiring to witness how we're actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let's keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother””, concluded Senator Kelej.

Malawian Winners of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

• Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Malawian Winners of Merck Foundation "Diabetes and Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
• Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)

Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
• Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
• Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
• Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
• Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
• Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)
• Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
• Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
• Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
• Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
• Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
• Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
• Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
• Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
• Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
• Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
• Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
• Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
• Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
• Jessy NZENGU, LualabamaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
• AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
• Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
• Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
• JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
• Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
• Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Merck Foundation "Diabetes & Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
• Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Odimegwu Onwumere, TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
• Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
• Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
• Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
• Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
• Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
• Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
• Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
• Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development, DRC (First Position)
• Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
• Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
• Petga Tonga Valgadine, LaVoixduKoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi (First Position)
• Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
• Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries
6. Latin American Countries
7. Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Media contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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The Merck Foundation, 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.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (apo-opa.co/47HPK5u), Twitter (apo-opa.co/3U8RG3y), Instagram (apo-opa.co/494Vib1), YouTube (apo-opa.co/494wHn4) and Flickr (apo-opa.co/3UfoOVU).