Farhiya Abdullahi, a refugee living in Kakuma refugee camp in Northern Kenya, holds a bowl of rice prepared for her family. The rice, donated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, allows WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

In Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, Rice Makes a House a home

by EnvironmentGenderNews

Farhiya Abdullahi Haji likes to cook rice with onions and tomatoes, or make pilau with meat, or serve it alongside cowpea leaves and beans. However she prepares it, her four kids love it. As a family of Somalis living in a refugee camp in northern Kenya, which has seen its refugee population swell to 60 per cent rise in the last five years because of climate shocks and war, there isn’t always enough to go around.

“When there’s no food in the house, it’s not a home. There is no joy,” Farhiya said.

The rise in refugee needs has outpaced resources in recent months, forcing the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to elect deep ration cuts. Fortunately for Farhiya, the Republic of Korea doubled its rice contribution to Kenya this year to 21,000 metric tons, valued at US$ 14.2 million.

This substantial donation will allow WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in the camps of Dadaab and Kakuma. “The Republic of Korea’s contribution arrives at a critical time when WFP’s resources are severely stretched and the needs rising fast,” said Ms. Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya.

“This generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, providing them with much-needed sustenance during these challenging times.”

The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast supporter of WFP’s operations in Kenya, contributing a total of 64,500 metric tons of rice since 2018, valued at approximately US$ 53 million, making it WFP’s Kenya second-largest donor.

“The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like refugees and asylum seekers,” said H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kenya.

“We recognize the challenges faced by WFP in providing adequate food assistance, and we hope this contribution will help alleviate some of the burden.”

When food was more plentiful, Farhiya used to share whatever she had left over with neighbours. With the Republic of Korea’s help, that may now be possible once again. “My kids love rice so much,” Farhiya said. “When the kids see food in the sack they say, ‘God is great’, we have food.”

Rasha Kelej_CEO of Merck Foundation_16

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit–MARS Awards 2023 of Best African Women Researchers

by GenderWomen

CEO of Merck Foundation Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Scientific Committee announced and recognized the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2023 winners.

Six researchers from six different African Countries were awarded in two categories – Best African Women Researchers and Best African young Researchers.

“Like every year since 2016, I am extremely proud of our 6 Winners of MARS Awards this year who have been recognized under the two categories of ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards’ and ‘Best African Young Researcher Awards’ for their valuable contribution in research, especially by African Female Researchers who are under presented in this field, as we all know. Through Merck Foundation African Research Summit – MARS Awards, we aim to empower African young researchers and of course to empower and encourage African women researchers through advancing their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics),” said Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit -MARS expressed,
The winners of ‘Best African women Researchers Awards’ and ‘Best African Young Researcher Awards’ will be enrolled into research training at a premier institute in India.

“And I am also very happy to share with you all that as promised, we provided an opportunity to one of first winner of each category, however, only Ms. Stella Irungu from Kenya was able to attend the 4-day long International Federation of Fertility Societies – The IFFS World Congress 2023, held recently in Athens, Greece”, shared Senator Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, by providing 1700 Scholarships for doctors from 50 Countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.

“Out of our 1700 scholarships, we have provided more than 535 scholarships for clinical and practical training for Fertility & Embryology, PG Diploma & Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills to doctors from 39 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The award ceremony was attended by Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, OFR, President of African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), President of The Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria & Secretary General of International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), Nigeria and Prof. Dr. Satish Kumar Adiga, Head, Department of Reproductive Science and Coordinator at Fertility Preservation Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, OFR shared, “I extend my congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the MARS Awards 2023. The received entries demonstrated exceptional quality of research. This platform holds significant value for African women and young researchers dedicated to health research.”