
The 12th Africa-Asia Luminary Conference opened in Banjul, hosted by The Gambia’s First Lady, Fatou Bah Barrow.
The event brought together First Ladies from across Africa, representatives of the Merck Foundation, healthcare professionals, media personnel, and distinguished guests to discuss strategies for strengthening health systems, supporting healthcare workers, promoting responsible journalism, and nurturing Africa’s future leaders.
In her opening remarks, Fatou Bah Barrow praised the Merck Foundation’s efforts in providing scholarships and mentorship programs to Gambian doctors in fields such as Oncology, Fertility and Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Paediatrics, and Infectious Diseases.
She also highlighted the critical role of accurate health reporting and stressed the importance of collaboration, unity, and sisterhood in advancing health, education, and gender equality across Africa.
The conference was attended by a distinguished group of African First Ladies, including H.E. Marie Khone Faye of Senegal, H.E. Maria de Fátima Vila of São Tomé and Príncipe, H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai of Liberia, H.E. Janet Museveni of Uganda, H.E. Dominique Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Auxillia Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and H.E. First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.
Their participation underscored the collective commitment of African leaders to advance health and education initiatives across the continent.
The conference featured panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at empowering healthcare professionals, supporting women’s leadership, and promoting sustainable partnerships between governments, foundations, and the media.
Organisers said the event would have a lasting impact on policies and programs across Africa, particularly in healthcare, gender equality, and youth development.