Merck Foundation joins hands with first ladies of Africa to combat COVID-19

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has announced a special awards initiative to encourage media reportage on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative, which is dubbed “Stay at Home Media Recognition Awards,” is to reward deserving journalists for providing useful information during the lockdown period.

It is also to encourage the media to be creative and effective in raising awareness and sensitizing communities on how to stay safe and keep physically and mentally healthy.

The initiative by the foundation is in partnership with first ladies from selected African countries.

The countries include Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Namibia, Niger, The Gambia, and Liberia.

Others include Guinea Conakry, Burundi, Central African Republic (C.A.R.), Chad, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Congo Brazzaville.

The theme for the awards is: “Raising Awareness on how to Stay Safe and keep physically and mentally Healthy during Coronavirus Lockdown.”

The project

Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej said: “This unsettling period due to the coronavirus scare is difficult for everyone – both physically and mentally. While most countries are under a complete lockdown or restricted movement, people do not know how to handle this situation. Social Distancing is our Social Responsibility and the only way to kill Coronavirus; however, it will take a lot of courage and discipline to practice it.

“Taking good care of your mental and physical health is important during this period. So, we decided to initiate these awards in order to reward the journalists who are raising awareness in the most effective and creative way on how to keep safe and keep physically & mentally healthy during this phase.”

Application details

All journalists from print, online, radio and multimedia platforms from English-speaking, French-speaking, Arabic speaking, and Portuguese speaking African countries are invited to send their entries for the awards.

The most creative and influential media work aiming to raise awareness and sensitize communities about this alarming topic on a regular basis will be eligible to win these awards.

Merck Foundation will extend the awards to include Middle Eastern, Latin American and Asian Countries in the next few days to involve all media across the global South.

“Since most of the people are confined to their homes, they are spending a lot of time reading and listening to news through different platforms. Media professionals, it is your time to help the people to take care good care of their mental & physical health during these disturbing times, through your creative, informational and motivational work. You can guide them to adjust to their new and different routine & rhythm of life”, emphasized Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Who can Apply: Journalists from Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia Platforms from English speaking, French speaking, Arabic speaking and Portuguese speaking African countries

Last date of submission: Entries can be submitted till 30th June 2020

How to apply?  Entries can be submitted via Email to info@merck-foundation.com

along with your details (including Name, Gender, Country, Media house, Email address & Mobile Number) and entry as an attachment

Categories and Prize Money: