Frankfurt: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is celebrating World Art Day 2026 through its Pan-African Art and Fashion with Purpose community, an initiative established by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The foundation is also commemorating the 6-year anniversary of this community, which leverages art and fashion to address significant health and social issues across Africa and beyond. According to African Press Organization, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans from 2019 to 2025, expressed her happiness in marking World Art Day 2026. She emphasized the role of art, fashion, and media as powerful tools for awareness and addressing critical social and health issues. The Fashion and Art with Purpose Community, established in 2020, focuses on raising awareness about issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, ending FGM and child marriage, gender-based violence, women empowerment, and health conc erns like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The community has brought together talented members from over 25 countries, creating a positive social impact. Merck Foundation has initiated several projects, including "Our Africa by Merck Foundation," a pan-African TV program. Conceptualized and hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, the program highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of the Fashion and Art with Purpose community, featuring African fashion designers, singers, and experts from various domains. The program has gained significant viewership across Africa and is accessible on social media platforms. Beyond the TV program, Merck Foundation, in collaboration with The First Ladies of Africa, annually announces eight important awards under two themes for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and young African talents. These awards aim to break infertility stigma, support girls' education, end child marriage, FGM, and gender-based violence, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness about diabetes and hypertension. Merck Foundation's Art and Fashion with Purpose Community includes talented winners of its annual Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. In partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, the foundation has recognized 175 exceptional talents from 25 countries, turning them into influential members of the community. Through their creativity and influence, these winners spark meaningful conversations and challenge deeply rooted perceptions. Additionally, the foundation has produced over 30 songs with African artists in multiple languages to address key issues. They have also launched nine children's storybooks and adapted them into six awareness animation films, available in five languages, to reach communities and instill change at grassroots levels.
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