BANJUL, THE GAMBIA – In a visionary keynote address at the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, Her Excellency Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, delivered a key message urging African First Ladies, health leaders, and global partners to move from symbolic roles to transformational impact.

Delivering her speech under the theme of compassionate leadership, stigma elimination, and sustainable healthcare innovation, H.E. Mrs. Boakai challenged her peers and development partners to go beyond ceremonial presence and drive policy, programs, and partnerships that transform lives at the grassroots level.

“Let it be known—we are not here for a ceremony. If women are the backbone of society, then First Ladies must be the moral spine of leadership,” she declared. Adding, “We are not ornaments of protocol, but architects of possibility.”

Mrs. Boakai celebrated Liberia’s deepening collaboration with the Merck Foundation, which has resulted in:

• 52 Liberian doctors receiving specialized scholarships in underserved fields of medicine, with 71 additional scholarships in progress.
• Direct partnerships with the Ministry of Health, including leadership development for key officials, such as the Minister herself—who is a proud Merck Foundation alumna.
• Ongoing support for 40 disadvantaged girls through the “Educating Linda” program, offering full scholarships as pathways to dignity and economic independence.

“Merck Foundation has not only trained individuals but planted institutions within people,” she said. “These are not just degrees—they are shields against suffering.” She expressed.

The First Lady revealed the launch of a $3 million multi-purpose healing village in Liberia, aimed at supporting:

• Mothers overcoming trauma
• Youth battling addiction
• Children living with autism and intellectual disabilities

“This is no ordinary village. It is a sanctuary of healing and a symbol of Liberia’s readiness to lead in inclusive care,” she said.

Mrs. Boakai addressed head-on the issues of infertility, mental illness, and addiction, rejecting silence and shame around these topics.

“Infertility is not a woman’s fault. Mental illness is not taboo. Addiction is not a death sentence. Every girl has the right to dream beyond her circumstances,” she stated, to resounding applause.

She praised Merck Foundation’s use of art, fashion, media, music, and storytelling to shift public attitudes and build empathy, describing these campaigns as “weapons against ignorance and bridges toward understanding.”

The First Lady called on her fellow First Ladies to return to their countries with renewed purpose:

“Let us not leave here with handshakes, photo ops, and smiles alone. Let us leave with policy commitments, data-driven action, and love sealed in impact.” She said.

In conclusion, she reminded her colleagues stating: “Once upon a time, a piece of clay feared the fire. But the potter said, ‘Without the furnace, you will remain fragile.’ We, the women of Africa, are shaped by fire—not to burn, but to build. And now we pour healing into nations.”

Hosted by H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, and organized by Merck Foundation, the Africa Asia Luminary convened leaders from across the continent, including First Ladies, ministers of health, healthcare professionals, and development partners, to share solutions and foster partnerships in health, education, and empowerment.

MERCK FOUNDATION AFRICA ASIA LUMINARY is an annual high-level platform for advancing healthcare capacity, eliminating stigma, and accelerating sustainable development through partnership and innovation in Africa and Asia.