The First Lady of Malawi Her Excellency Prof. Gertrude Muntharika has been awarded for making tremendous strides in the promotion and dealing with issues of infertility and capacity building among others within a short period of time, under the partnership of her trust Beautify Malawi – BEAM and Merck Foundation, More than a Mother initiative.

Speaking before she presented the award, CEO of Merck Foundation who is also the Co-Chairperson of Merck Africa Asia Luminary, Dr Rasha Kelej, applauded Malawi for making great strides within the shortest period since it’s launch three months ago and urged others to emulate the Malawi success story.

The award comes barely 3 months after the launch of Merck More than a Mother initiative in Malawi. The First Lady Prof. Gertrude Mutharika, who is also the initiatives ambassador, has been working tirelessly in civic educating Malawians on issues of infertility – how people can get help and to end stigma that accompanies infertility.

Speaking at the at the on going 6th edition Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary conference in Ghana, the First Lady said in collaboration with the Beautify Malawi trust, the Ministry of Health and Population and other stakeholders, Malawi has made strides in infertility awareness campaigns and also that it has managed to send 30 health personnel to go for further specialist training in the field of oncology and infertility issues.