The Merck Foundation has acknowledged First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed as an Ambassador for its initiative, "More Than a Mother."

The announcement was made during an official meeting held at Muleeaage, the Presidential Residence, where the First Lady received a delegation from the Merck Foundation.

The delegation was led by Professor Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and former Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, and Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation.

The "More Than a Mother" initiative seeks to empower women, promote awareness about infertility and male infertility, and combat the stigma associated with reproductive health challenges. It collaborates with First Ladies and women leaders across Africa and Asia to drive policy reforms and implement programmes aimed at delivering equitable and high-quality reproductive and fertility care.

During the meeting, Professor Dr Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Senator Dr Kelej discussed avenues for future collaboration with the First Lady, with a particular focus on strengthening the Maldives’ healthcare sector. They outlined scholarship opportunities and specialised training initiatives intended to support Maldivian medical professionals and enhance healthcare capacity throughout the nation.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed provided an overview of the current healthcare landscape in the Maldives and highlighted the Government’s efforts to improve access to and quality of health services.

The Merck Foundation leadership commended the First Lady for her dedication to championing women's health issues and building medical capacity.