Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates ahead of the 9th Edition of the Merck Foundation “Africa Asia Luminary” Conference scheduled for today Tuesday, 15th to tomorrow Wednesday, 16th November, 2022.

Her Excellency has been invited as the Guest of Honour by the Merck Foundation and will participate in the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative, MFFLI, where she will join colleague First Ladies from more than sixteen (16) other African countries.

It could be recalled that over the last three years, the Merck Foundation has, through the direct lobbying efforts of H.E. First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio, trained 42 Sierra Leonean medical Doctors on Oncology and cancer research.

Her Excellency was received by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay and the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation and President of “More than a Mother” campaign, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation is a philanthropic organization that works closely with partners that include African First Ladies and Government Ministries in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities.

The upcoming Merck Conference will also be attended by 3000 delegates including healthcare providers, policy makers, technical advisors, community leaders and other relevant actors to speak on healthcare delivery and its challenges, especially in developing countries. The two-day Conference will also discuss the Foundation’s programs in countries across Africa.

While in the UAE, Madam Bio is also expected to meet with key stakeholders, as part of her ongoing advocacy to solicit global response and solutions in addressing issues affecting women and girls.