Merck signs MoU with African Federation of Fertility Societies

• Collaboration on training programs and disease awareness
• Generation of scientific evidence related to fertility across Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 6 July 2021 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Federation of Fertility Societies (AFFS). Through this agreement, both organisations will jointly work on an agenda to further develop educational training programs for healthcare professionals, aimed at improving access to high quality infertility care in Africa for the ultimate benefit of patients.

By combining their forces, both will benefit from each other’s networks and communication channels, while also exploring opportunities to jointly offer in-depth training programs such as preceptorships and fellowships as well as training courses related to fertility issues for health care professionals. ”We are looking forward to this new collaboration with AFFS, to intensify the exchange and partnership. It will ultimately lead to an important improvement for patients, namely couples who need support to realise their family wishes – which is our common goal. Merck has a long- term commitment and a successful leadership history in reproductive medicine” said Dr. Matthias Meergans, Medical Head MEAR at Merck Healthcare.

Furthermore, the collaboration will focus on other areas such as disease awareness campaigns and generation of scientific evidence facilitating access to high-quality care, starting with the support of the African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ANARA). Professor Gamal Serour, President of African Federation of Fertility Societies stated that “AFFS welcomes and appreciates collaboration with Merck for the implementation of quality fertility service for the infertile people across Africa”.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Merck.

About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2020, Merck generated sales of € 17.5 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Electronics.  

Press Contact:
Mantis Communications
Kerry Simpson
Tel: 079 438 3252
Email: kerry@mantiscomms.co.za

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)